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26

Sept 2022

Last Updated: 23/09/2022
Education
Education

Praise for Harrogate school as Ofsted rating improves

by Vicky Carr

| 26 Sept, 2022
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Saltergate Junior School in the Jennyfields area was praised for the 'warm and respectful' relationship between teachers and pupils, with 'high expectations' for their achievements.

saltergate-junior-school

A Harrogate junior school has achieved a 'good' rating from Ofsted less than four years after inspectors said it required improvement.

Saltergate Junior School in the Jennyfields area was praised for the "warm and respectful" relationship between teachers and pupils, with "high expectations" for their achievements.

The latest inspection took place in June, with the report published last week. It said:

"Many pupils say there is nothing they would change about their ‘amazing’ school. They thoroughly enjoy the wide range of rich and exciting experiences provided for them.
"School leaders make sure all pupils get lots of opportunities to develop their talents and interests."


Inspectors praised the school's leaders and governors for the "significant improvements" made since the last inspection, with changes to the curriculum and teaching continuing throughout the pandemic.

They said some areas of the curriculum which have more recently been introduced still needed further monitoring to ensure they were implemented effectively.



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While three of the four areas of assessment were rated 'good', the school was awarded an 'outstanding' rating for personal development. Chair of governors Mark Walker said he was "particularly thrilled" with this.

The inspectors added:

"Governors know the school well and provide effective support and challenge. Staff say that leaders are always ready to provide professional and personal support.
"They are rightly proud to work at this school."


The inspection was carried out under previous headteacher Linda Mortimer, who retired in the summer. New head Joanne Hall said:

"I feel very lucky to be leading such a special school community and to be able to build upon the work achieved so far by Mrs Mortimer and the staff team.
"This successful inspection is thanks to all of our staff at Saltergate in both the infant and the junior schools as we all work closely together for the benefit of our children.
"Our infant school will be inspected at some point in the near future and we hope that Ofsted will be equally impressed."