St Francis Catholic Primary School in Melton pleased with '˜good' Ofsted rating

St Francis Catholic Primary School's pupils' celebrate after the school received a 'good' Ofsted rating PHOTO: Supplied

The Melton school has been rated ‘Good’ following a two day visit by inspectors last month. This is a marked improvement from 2015, when the school ‘required improvement.’

The Ofsted report has highlighted the decisive manner in which senior leaders and governors have acted since the last inspection and that this has “ensured that the school has improved, at pace.” Staff have ensured that the progress and attainment of pupils is at the “forefront of their actions” and their success and ambition shows there is “good capacity for the school to continue to improve.”

Inspectors praised the “diligence and enthusiasm” of subject and middle leaders at the school who are seen as a “strength of the school.”

Teachers and teaching assistants were found to have “high expectations for every pupil” and pupils were “eager to reach their teachers’ high expectations” thereby fuelling “their love of learning.”

Early years provision also received praise in the report. The “high expectations” of the team combined with a “caring, nurturing environment” and the encouragement of parents to “play an active part in their child’s development” has meant that children “make a good start to school” and make “good progress” in writing, reading and mathematics.”

Ofsted have given the school guidance on how they can attain an ‘Outstanding’ rating. The school needs to improve effectiveness in monitoring and evaluating all aspects of it’s performance; extend the good assessment practice seen in reading, writing and mathematics, to ensure that pupils progress, and ensure that teachers set work that consistently challenges pupils and stretches their learning to accelerate progress.

Head teacher, Jo Anderson, said: “I’m delighted with the Ofsted rating and so very proud of the dedication of all the staff, children and governors who have worked together to improve the school.

“We’ve great ambitions for the school and we’ve already embarked upon the journey towards achieving an ‘Outstanding’ rating.”