Gorleston school praised by Ofsted

CLIFF Park Junior is a satisfactory and improving school with some good and outstanding features, according to the education watchdog.

In its latest Ofsted report senior staff and governors at the 366-pupil school are praised for the handling of the recent reorganisation with the first and middle schools combining.

The report says “clear direction” from the headteacher is reflected in the “settled atmosphere” resulting in the continuation of good learning, care and personal development for pupils.

While teaching at the school was graded as satisfactory, inspector Ruth Frith there were some good and outstanding examples of teaching but this was not consistent throughout the school.

She said quality of teaching differed between classes because some teachers were not always planning work to meet the needs of pupils - with some not being challenged enough while the needs of slower learners were not always taken into account.

Ofsted also said improvements needed to be made in tracking pupils' progress, as while the current system was satisfactory, it was not yet fully effective.

As a result of reorganisation a new curriculum has been introduced and while Ofsted said it was too early to comment on its impact, strengths were noted in art, music, PE and French. Extra-curricular activities were judged as outstanding.

Pupils' personal development at the school was judged as good, and good levels of maturity meant children were “enthusiastic learners who enjoyed school”.

The school is spoken of highly by parents with one commenting: “My child has excelled and come out f his shell since being at Cliff Park.”

The report added partnerships with local groups has created “outstanding” links with the local community.

Ofsted said the school's self-evaluation system could be improved further with more input from middle managers, who in a recent staff re-structure have been given more responsibility.