School celebrates new 'good' rating

WOODHOUSES PRIMARY SCHOOL

WOODHOUSES Primary School is celebrating after chalking up its best Ofsted rating.

It is the first time that the Failsworth school's overall effectiveness has been rated as good (grade 2) since inspections began.

And it is also the first time that an area of its work has been judged to be outstanding (grade 1) - with pupils' personal development, behaviour and welfare receiving the top mark.

Woodhouses was classed as requiring improvement (grade 3) at its previous inspection two years ago.

But the education watchdog returned last month and have found it to be at least good in every inspection area.

"The school has improved because leaders, and especially the head teacher, have stabilised staffing and set high expectations for staff and pupils," said Ofsted, who found that standards in reading, writing and maths had risen in recent years.

"Teaching, learning and assessment are good. This means pupils, from the least able to the most able, are making good progress.

"The curriculum is planned well. It contains many exciting learning opportunities for the pupils, which they thoroughly enjoy."

Ofsted said that the children made good progress in their reception year because staff know them well and take into account their individual needs.

Pupils' behaviour throughout the school was "outstanding" and the inspectors added: "Their excellent attitudes contribute greatly to their good progress."

Children feel safe in school and the inspectors also praised their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development as "excellent".

The teaching of British values is an integral part of everything the school does and the report concluded: "Pupils show high levels of care, trust and respect for each other, adults and the environment.

"They are very proud of their school.

"Staff morale is high and the vast majority of parents are very satisfied with the school."

Head teacher Rachael Bentham said: "We are delighted with the result of this inspection. The children, staff, governors and parents have worked so hard and we now have the recognition we deserve.

"We are particularly proud of our 'outstanding' grade for behaviour as the children here are fantastic.

"There has been a lot of hard work and change over the last three years, but this report reflects the current status of the school. This is the first time the school has ever been awarded an overall 'good' judgment or an 'outstanding' judgment in any area since inspections began and shows the journey the school has been on.

"We are now striving to become 'outstanding' in all areas of school life."