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Westoe Crown Pupils Praised By Ofsted
Press release
Happy and confident children at a South Tyneside primary school have impressed Ofsted inspectors with their good behaviour and caring attitude to others.
The pupils at Westoe Crown School in South Shields are polite, enjoy school and have above average attendance. They work hard in lessons and are motivated and inspired to do their best.
They enjoy taking on responsibilities, such as becoming playground 'buddies' to younger children or taking an active part in the school council where they have made a positive difference to life in the community and have even re-designed an area of Mowbray Park to make it more attractive for local families.
A team of four inspectors visited the school, sitting in on lessons, observing teachers and examining a variety of pupils' written work. They also held meetings with the governors, teachers, support staff and groups of pupils as well as analysing questionnaires from parents and carers.
The inspectors state that the school 'provides good care, guidance and support for its pupils and as a result they feel safe and enjoy coming to school. They also report that the school is 'well regarded in the local community and staff and pupils are proud to belong to the school.'
With an overall 'satisfactory' grade Ofsted also found that the school's capacity for sustained improvement is also satisfactory. They commented that the newly appointed headteacher and deputy headteacher have 'swiftly identified the main priorities for improvement and have the determination and drive to move the school forward.' Members of the governing body are described as 'supportive of the school' and they challenge school leaders effectively on its performance.
Westoe Crown is larger than most primary schools with 671 pupils on the school roll. The children are known well as individuals and they make good progress in the Early Years Foundation Stage which has a 'warm and caring family atmosphere so that children settle happily into school life'.
Teachers are praised for their 'secure subject knowledge' which is used to enthuse and motivate pupils and some lessons are said to be 'good or better'. Carefully chosen and well organized activities are closely matched to pupils' abilities and interests while visits and visitors make a strong contribution to broadening their experiences.
Ofsted also found that the vast majority of parents and carers are 'very positive and supportive' and believe their children enjoy school and it keeps them safe. They say that their children look forward to school each day and become happy and confident individuals.
In a letter to the children, the Lead Ofsted Inspector Janette Corlett thanked them for making the inspectors so welcome when they visited the school. She praised their polite and courteous behaviour and she was impressed by the way they look after each other and create a real family atmosphere in such a big school. She was also impressed by their hard work in lessons and said standards are improving.
The report was welcomed by Mr Steve Price, Head Teacher who said: "We are delighted our recent Ofsted report reflects the significant progress made since the last inspection three years ago.
"Care, guidance and support remains a major strength of the school and our effective partnerships with external providers and agencies continue to contribute well to pupils learning and well being.
"Most satisfying of all is the recognition that standards are rising across the school. The report above all reflects the huge contribution and support we receive from our families here at Westoe Crown."
Chair of the school's Governing Body Mrs Vicky Long, added: "The recent Ofsted inspection highlighted a number of good features, in particular the capacity to improve, and that the staff had achieved a great deal in a very short time since September.
"The Early Years were judged to be good with pupils making good progress in Nursery and Reception. The standard of care and guidance was also felt to be good and the inspectors were impressed with the pupils' good behaviour and positive attitudes. It was commented that the school had completed an accurate self evaluation and that leaders at all levels have a strong commitment to school improvement.
"There is a shared vision of the actions needed to secure the necessary progress, in order to achieve the best possible outcomes for all our children."
