Chelmsford school well placed for the future

9:34am Tuesday 8th July 2008

A PRIMARY school is "well placed for the future" according to inspectors.

Inspectors from education watchdog Ofsted recently paid a visit to Beehive Lane Community Primary School in Chelmsford.

In a report from Ofsted, inspectors found the school's staffing had been unsettled in the past, but that steady improvements has been made since the appointment of the current headteacher in January 2007.

The school was given a good rating (or grade two) in around half of the categories reviewed by inspectors, including personal development and well being of pupils. The school was found to be satisfactory (or grade three) in all other areas.

In her report, inspector Helen Ranger said: "Parents' views of the school are mainly very positive, as summarised by those who commented on a marked improvement and a more stable environment for their children.

"The school has identified where any underachievement has occurred and is tackling it. There is a clear commitment by the school's leaders to continue to improve pupils' day-to-day learning.

"The effective headteacher ably supported by her deputy headteacher, has taken a measured and realistic path to ensure the school gets better in order to achieve its ambition of being a thoroughly good school."

Headteacher Brenda Dyke, said she was pleased the report recognised high standards of personal development and well being at the school, the preparation of children for secondary education and its consistent improvements.

She said: "I think it would be fair to say staff and parents were delighted with the report and that we're moving in the right direction.

"We're very proud of our personal development and well being and I think a lot of improvements have been made in the last 18 months, we have come a long way."

Mrs Dyke added that the school would be looking to involve more school governors in looking at the standards of the school, as part of its move towards further achievements.