School is showing progress after its 'Inadequate' report

A VILLAGE school is making "satisfactory" progress in making improvements after Oftsed gave it the lowest possible rating.

Bapchild and Tonge School was deemed "inadequate" following an inspection in February and was given an official notice to improve.

It was told to work on increasing pupils' reading, writing and mathematics skills by December, raise the standard of teaching and improve the effectiveness of leaders and managers at "all levels."

Ofsted inspector Meena Wood made a follow-up visit last month and her feedback was published last week.

In a letter to head teacher Teresa Homan, she wrote: "Having considered all the evidence, I am of the opinion that at this time, the school is making satisfactory progress in addressing the issues for improvement and in raising the pupils' achievement."

But she also warned that weaknesses in teaching "have not yet been fully eradicated" and that the quality varied "too much."

Improved monitoring of pupils who were not on target to reach expected standards was acknowledged, as was the introduction of different teaching practices, including a programme to encourage hoys to read more.

Pupils' behaviour was singled out as a "significant" improvement since the inspection, with a "positive climate" for learning.

The school's senior leaders and governing body were in a "stronger position to sustain improvement," said the inspector and governors had "identified the need to challenge the school further in improving the quality of teaching".

Mrs Homan said that the Ofsted letter was a fair judgement of the school's position.

She said: "The overall statement of having made satisfactory progress was what we would expect at this time. We are halfway through the journey."

Another inspection is due to take place next February or March.

by Stephen Waite
Sittingbourne News Extra

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