Headteacher of struggling Wolverhampton school praises improvements

New Park School in Cromer Gardens, Whitmore Reans, was given a bottom rung 'grade four' rating following a visit from the watchdog in February, with inspectors making a total of 16 recommendations for improvement.

They included reducing the amount of physical force used by staff on pupils and dramatically improving behaviour, after pupils were spotted damaging school property and smoking on site.

In the wake of the report, a new executive leadership took over the running of the school and an £80,000 fence was put up around its perimeter, while a police officer was stationed on site.

The new report, dated December 4, noted that a number of improvements had been made since the previous inspection. Pupil behaviour during the inspection was described as 'largely calm and positive', with older pupils praised for their polite behaviour and demonstrating much improved attitudes to learning.

Executive interim headteacher, Nicola Davis, was pleased with the findings.

She said: "This is great news and is testament to the good work being put in by staff at the school to turn the fortunes of the pupils and the school around.

"We're under no illusions though that there is still plenty of work to do and we will continue to drive the school forward."

Wolverhampton City Council managing director Keith Ireland, who is chairman of the interim executive board (IEB) at the school, said: "The interim leadership team at the school and the IEB have worked closely to make improvements. I'm pleased that the IEB's focus on pupil progress and its overall effectiveness have been recognised.

"I'm also really proud of the staff team at New Park who have worked incredibly hard to turn the fortunes of the school around."

Councillor Phil Page, Wolverhampton City Council's schools boss, added: "The council took swift action back in February to address the problems and it is good to see that the progress that has been made is being recognised by this report."

New Park caters for children with serious behavioural, emotional and social difficulties with each pupil having specific special educational needs.

In September, the school spent thousands of pounds of taxpayers' money on new uniforms for all 107 pupils, including shoes which some pupils refused to wear.

Inspectors commented that pupils were wearing their new uniforms 'with pride' and maintaining a 'smart appearance throughout the day'.

"The school environment is neat and tidy and displays in classrooms and corridors now go undamaged," the report continued.

The smoking problem at the school was also said to be improving.