New inspection regime marks Vale as good
OFSTED’S first inspection of a local school under a new external agreement has seen Vale Primary classed as good across all five assessment categories.
It was announced in 2018 that Ofsted would work with Education, Sport & Culture to develop an inspection system tailored to the Bailiwick but no inspections have been conducted for two years due to Covid.
Head teacher Gary Hind said receiving good ratings in all five inspection categories was no mean feat.
‘We are delighted to have this recognised by Ofsted,’ he said.
‘Such positive outcomes across the board speaks to the tremendous dedication of our staff, children and whole school community.
‘The last two years have been hugely challenging for all those who work in education as we have had to adapt to ever-changing circumstances as a result of the pandemic.
‘Having our school’s hard work to continue delivering excellent outcomes for children recognised by this external inspection is fantastic.
‘I’m very proud to lead this school and fortunate to work alongside so many wonderful colleagues and pupils.’
The report noted that children were at the centre of all decisions school leaders make and the curriculum inspired and prepared
pupils well for the next stage of their education.
Inspectors identified only two areas where the school could improve. These were to further develop teachers’ subject knowledge in some areas of the curriculum, and to develop individual targets for children with special educational needs and disabilities to ensure that they are not too broad, but more specific.
Director of education Nick Hynes said the report was a credit to the school’s staff.
Education president Andrea Dudley-Owen said the committee was pleased with the outcome of the first inspection under the new framework.
‘External inspection is crucial to ensure that the community is clear about the standards being achieved by our settings and this is also a core part of our Education Strategy,’ she said.
‘Although we deferred the commencement of Ofsted’s formal inspections as a consequence of the Covid pandemic, this report shows that it was absolutely the right time and entirely appropriate to begin the inspection cycle.
‘I want to publicly congratulate Gary and his staff for this very positive outcome.’
Ofsted categories
. Quality of education
. Behaviour and attitudes
. Personal development and welfare
. Leadership and management
. Early years provision.
