School celebrating ‘good’ rating in recent Ofsted report

Mrs Debbie Whiting (headteacher) and Mr Craig Honey (Deputy headteacher). Picture: North Denes Primary School (Image: Archant)

North Denes Primary School has been praised by Ofsted for its quality of teaching, personal development and effectiveness of leadership.

It rated four out of five key areas as good and said its effectiveness in leadership and management was outstanding.

Ofsted said the school provides a safe, nurturing and aspirational environment that supports pupils very well.

The report, which followed an inspection in July, said there was a substantial rise in standards of mathematics at the end of key stage two and results are above those seen nationally.

Leaders were praised for going ‘the extra mile’ to ensure pupils with disabilities have no barriers to their learning and, as a result, they make strong progress.

Pupils were described as ‘warm’ and ‘friendly’ and had respect for each other along with great relationships with their teachers.

Headteacher, Debbie Whiting, said: “The achievement that our Ofsted report represents is enormous for us, parents and children in the local community.

“We have gone from strength to strength, improving on a previous good report. With the transfer of pupils from a local closing school and after a very difficult year, a new nursery provision for two-year-olds opening and planning permission for a wonderful new school building submitted, the receipt of our glowing report celebrates everything that is special about our school. This is our first inspection since becoming a primary school and nursery and it reflects the focus and determination of all staff to provide the best of everything for our pupils.”

“We have a fantastic team whose hard work and commitment have made this possible and we are all looking forward to a very positive future. A new school building will be in place by the next time we are inspected, at which time we hope to be outstanding overall.”

In order to further improve its rating, the school will need to ensure disadvantaged pupils develop higher skills in writing and continue to work with parents of pupils who are persistently absent to improve attendance.

The school site is set to be transformed with new buildings following a controversial consultation that led to Alderman Swindell Primary School closing.