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Surprise Inspection Visit 5 May 2011
I am delighted to report that following a visit from Mrs Mary Massey, an HMI, to conduct a Monitoring Visit for schools deemed 'Satisfactory' at their most recent Ofsted Inspection, we have been passed!
Mrs Massey concluded that:-
"Having considered all the evidence, I am of the opinion that at this time the school has made satisfactory progress in making improvements and satisfactory progress in demonstrating a better capacity for sustained improvement".
Our Inspector highlighted the following positive aspects:-
o The school's leaders have made a strong start in tackling the areas for improvement identified at the last inspection.
o Pupil's attainment in writing is rising with more pupils reaching levels. expected for their age.
o The rate of progress is accelerating.
o The strongest improvements are in reading and writing.
o The rate of attendance has risen substantially.
o Pupils are courteous, friendly and very keen to talk about their learning.
o Any isolated incidents of poor behaviour are managed sensitively and effectively.
o Re-organisation of the curriculum has led to more opportunities for extended writing outside Literacy lessons.
o The profile of writing has been raised.
o There is better motivation amongst pupils, increased output in written work and improved quality.
o The school has effectively used the strengths of English teaching from
Mrs Irwin to support all staff.
o The quality of teaching, especially in Literacy is improving.
o Groups of children in every class we selected receive individualised support and as a result some pupils are now making much faster progress.
o The provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs, which was noted as a relatively high proportion, is comprehensive and personalised.
o We have a large team of well trained Teaching Assistants supporting the work in the classroom.
o Marking was seen to be helpful and clearly identifying strengths as well as areas for improvement.
o Monitoring of the quality of teachers' planning, teaching and marking has increased and is robust.
o We have made effective use of support from advisers both from the Local Authority and National Strategies.
We are delighted to have been recognised for this progress over the last 14 months and Mrs Massey asked us to consider the following further improvements:
o Use a common format for monitoring in all subject areas.
o Have a visual display for progress made by children each half term/term rather than annually.
o Review the timing of teachers' marking to have even greater impact on learning.
o Review Learning Objectives and Success Criteria to focus on learning and not tasks.
o Review our Marking, Reading and Writing Policies to ensure consistency across Year Groups and continuity throughout the school.
o Ensure the more able pupils are given greater challenges.
o Encourage all children to grip their pen/pencil correctly.
I hope you will agree that the Inspection has been a very good mile post for the school and has given us a clear pathway to create further improvements.
Thank you to all children, staff, parents/carers for the great effort to help us achieve this progress.
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Branksome Heath Middle School |
Telephone: 01202 747966 |
E-mail: |