Last updated at 15:48, Saturday, 31 May 2008

PUPILS and teachers at an island primary school are celebrating a glowing report.

HANDS UP: South Walney Junior School Year 6 pupils at work after their school received an outstanding Ofsted reportJON GRANGER REF: 0429616

South Walney Junior School has been judged to be good with outstanding elements by the education watchdog Ofsted.

Inspectors praised the Amphitrite Street school where “pupils enjoy their learning immensely”.

Ofsted said: “Excellent relationships exist between everyone in the school and the calm and secure environment promotes good learning.”

The report also highlights that pupils achieve well in their academic and their personal development.

Headteacher Chris Cunningham said: “Obviously, we are all delighted with the fair and accurate judgments made by our inspection team who, in a very brief time, were able to see what really goes on in our school. We can now move on and enjoy the remainder of the summer term.”

Since the last inspection in 2004 Ofsted said the school has “improved significantly”.

Inspectors said last year’s standards were “significantly above average in English, Maths and Science and pupils with learning difficulties achieved very well”.

Pupils were complimented for their enthusiasm and positive attitudes.

Inspectors also said they are “friendly and polite” and “mature and confident”.

Ofsted said pupils feel safe and the school preparing them well for secondary school.

Inspectors said there is a strong curriculum for English, Maths and Science which enables pupils to achieve well and raise standards. Computers are also being used well to complement learning.

Ofsted was impressed by the good range of activities and experiences. There are many activities outside lessons that enrich the curriculum such as trips and a variety of clubs. Teaching and learning was judged to be good with some exemplary features.

Ofsted said leadership and management, including governance, are good.

The report says: “The headteacher has the respect of everyone. She has the gift of listening to her staff and pupils, treating them as individuals and thereby getting the best out of them. While the school welcomes new initiatives in education, it only implements what works for this school. The senior leadership team has a clear vision for developing the school and values the involvement of staff, pupils, parents, governors and the wider community in forward planning.”

Ofsted noted that the excellent school business manager rigorously monitored spending to get good value for money.

To improve further the school should; extend opportunities for pupils in all classes to debate and discuss their ideas, and strengthen the curriculum so that pupils develop a secure knowledge and understanding of the cultural richness and diversity of modern Britain.

First published at 11:58, Saturday, 31 May 2008
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk