School jumps for joy after '˜good' rating

Hawthorn Tree Primary School, in Toot Lane, had previously been assessed as ‘requires improvement’ following an inspection at the beginning of 2015.

However, following the latest inspection in November, inspectors have given the school a ‘good’ rating across the board.

This includes the effectiveness of leadership and management, the quality of teaching, learning and assessment, personal development, behaviour and welfare, outcomes for pupils and early years provision.

Head teacher Martin Lister congratulated staff, governors and pupils for ‘their perseverance and unswerving commitment’ and thanked parents for their ongoing support.

He said: “I am extremely proud of this formal recognition and applaud all who have helped us on our journey. With this great news, the school is firmly on an upward trajectory and we are all committed to making the school ‘Outstanding’ by the time of our next inspection.”

Inspectors praised pupils’ behaviour.

HMI Lead Inspector Deborah Mosley said: “All pupils who inspectors spoke with were polite, confident and eager to share their positive views of the school.

“Pupils are accepting of one another; they are kind and inclusive.”

Children in the Early Years were found to ‘make a very good start to school’, and pupils were noted to make ‘very good’ progress in their learning.

Ofsted said the children were ‘safe and well looked after’, adding: “Leaders have ensured that there is a culture of safeguarding and all staff consider safeguarding to be their responsibility.”

The report said: “Relationships between teachers and pupils are very positive.

“Pupils are supported in taking risks and teachers encourage perseverance.”

The leadership of the school was also noted for having a clear vison and setting high expectations.

The Governing Body was particularly identified as a strength of the school, being highly committed and sharing the aspirations for improvement.