Ormesby school gets glowing report

PUPILS and staff at Ormesby Village Junior School have been celebrating this week after receiving a glowing report from Oftsed.

The school was judged as good with the care, guidance and support offered to pupils considered to be outstanding.

“Superb” relationships in school result in pupils' behaviour and attitude towards learning being “exemplary”.

Ormesby became a junior school in September 2007 following the reorganisation, which Ofsted says sparked a turbulent period with staff redundancies and illness.

However, staffing is now stable and since then standards have risen to above average.

The education watchdog highlights the importance of pupils' self-assessment of their work - something they say

has helped to drive forward standards.

The report notes there have been inconsistencies between year groups but rigorous steps have been taken to eradicate these. The best progress has been in reading - outstanding in some year groups.

There is a good learning climate at the school resulting in

an “excellent working atmosphere” and attendance is above average.

Despite a turbulent period leadership at the school has remained focused on raising standards and achievement and the many staff changes in recent yeas have been well-managed by the headteacher.

The provision of extra-curriculum activities was judged as excellent with a high take-up of music and sport clubs.

However, Ofsted wanted to see a broader focus on the lives of those from different faiths and ethnic backgrounds.

Headteacher Debra Whiting said staff, pupils and parents were absolutely delighted with the report. She said: “I just think we have a very happy team working here.

“I have worked in eight schools and this is by far the happiest team I have ever worked with.

“Everyone is prepared to go that extra mile.

“I feel the staff deserve the recognition for their hard work and this report has confirmed our own self evaluation.”