School progress is 'exceptional' (From Swindon Advertiser)

School progress is 'exceptional'

10:40am Friday 3rd July 2009 in

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AN UNDER threat school has been told it has made “exceptional progress” by a government watchdog.

Northview Primary School, in Highworth, has been earmarked for closure as it only has 84 pupils.

However an Ofsted report stated that although the school has been through turbulence, standards are improving.

Inspectors rated the school as satisfactory overall, but said it is well placed to improve.

Headteacher in residence Jan Thomas said: “The report reflects where the school is. It has been through troubled times but we have put things into place so the children are getting a good education.

“We are pleased with the outcome of the inspection.

“The report recognises the school has been through considerable turbulence but it is a credit to the staff here that they continue to put the children first.”

The Ofsted report read: “[The School] has suffered considerable turbulence and declining standards in the last year-and-a-half but has made significant improvements in the last eight months.

Inspectors credited much of the improvements to Mrs Thomas, who was described as having “dynamic leadership” in the report.

It also said children “loved” coming to school, and inspectors added: “Pastoral care and support are exemplary and as a result their personal development is good and has many outstanding features.”

A consultation process is taking place on shutting the school, which sits in The Dormers, for good.

Dwindling pupil numbers have led Swindon Council to believe the school is too costly to run. The council has proposed to expand Westrop Primary to take Northview children instead.

A final decision on the fate of the school will be made in January.

Northview mum Clair Power, 36, said: “To close a school that is obviously doing well, as confirmed by Ofsted, is a shame. We all know results at Northview are good.”

Ofsted rated the school satisfactory in most categories.

The overall effectiveness of the school, achievement and standards, early years foundation stage, quality of provision, the curriculum and leadership and management were judged as satisfactory.

Personal development and wellbeing were rated as good.