Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
19
Mar
Masham school makes progress but remains in special measures
Ofsted has said a Masham school has made marked improvements but ‘more work is necessary’ before it no longer requires special measures.
Masham C.E Primary School was rated inadequate and put under special measures by government inspectors following a two-day visit in January last year, as reported by the Stray Ferret here.
Inspectors returned for a monitoring inspection in January to assess progress.
Last year's inspection found the school did not meet acceptable standards in five categories.
This year’s monitoring inspection recognised leaders had made significant progress but added "more work is necessary for the school to no longer be judged as requiring special measures".
The report said the interim leadership team and executive board had a “commitment to the school’s improvement journey”.
It added:
The school is taking the right actions to address its weaknesses. However, there remains more work to be done to ensure that all pupils receive the high-quality education they need to be ready for the next stages of learning.
The school has given careful thought to lesson structure to provide pupils with opportunities to revisit prior learning.
Some older pupils have large gaps in their knowledge, particularly in mathematics. The school is still developing ways to address this. Ongoing professional development and new systems to check pupils’ understanding are underway.
The report said a more structured and ambitious curriculum has been introduced, following staffing turnover. New policies have been introduced to provide more timely pupil feedback.
Pupil behaviour has significantly improved since January last year, with parents and carers describing it as ‘transformed’. Attendance has also improved.
Recently appointed headteacher Matt Boyle said he was "delighted that Ofsted have recognised the many positive improvements that have been made across all aspects of the school's work".
He added:
This has been achieved as a result of the hard work, commitment and dedication of staff, the wider school community and in partnership with the local authority and diocese.
The school is well placed to continue on the next stage of its improvement journey and remains committed to ensuring all pupils benefit from a good quality of education. I am excited for what the future holds for Masham CE VA Primary School.
0