School staff in Bodicote '˜disappointed' at report

Bishop Loveday CoE Primary School in Bodicote is currently in the early stages of a new development plan after the appointment of new headteacher Jane Ridley, and were inspected on January 26-27 for the first time in four years.

Ofsted inspectors rated the school as ‘Good’ in personal development, behaviour and welfare, early years provision and overall effectiveness at its previous inspection.

But said the school required improvement in effectiveness of leadership and management, quality of teaching, learning and assessment and outcomes for pupils.

Sarah Sharp, chair of governors, said: “Staff and governors are disappointed that the Ofsted judgement does not reflect the progress that the school has made to ensure that teaching is now consistently good or outstanding and, as a result of this, pupils now make good progress.

“The school had been judged good by our school leaders, governors, Diocesan Advisor and School Improvement Leader, based on the current quality of teaching and learning across the school and also the more recent data showing the progress that children make.”

Despite the result Ofsted inspectors recognised several strengths at the school, saying that children in early years make progress, enjoy the learning activities provided and that pupil’ achievement by the end of Year Two is good.

They are courteous, respectful and well mannered and their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is good.

Mrs Sharp added: “ We are delighted that the inspectors recognised that pupils’ behaviour is good; that parents are very positive about the standards of behaviour in school.”