Praise for pupils at struggling Hednesford school
Church inspectors have praised the 'kind, caring and well-behaved' children and the Christian ethos at a Staffordshire school which was this week given a 'special measures' ranking by Ofsted inspectors.
Church inspectors have praised the 'kind, caring and well-behaved' children and the Christian ethos at a Staffordshire school which was this week given a 'special measures' ranking by Ofsted inspectors.
St Peter's CE Primary School, in Hednesford, was praised for its 'friendly and inclusive ethos' and its positive impact on the development of children in the Lichfield Diocese inspection report.
The Reservoir Road primary, which has over 440 pupils, was described as a happy school working closely with the neighbouring church community.
Inspectors welcomed the 'supportive and caring ethos of the whole school community' and described the children as 'delightful, respectful and courteous pupils.'
The report states: "Pupils are proud of their school and talk enthusiastically about the praise and reward systems available through the school. Pupils' confidence is boosted by the recognition and celebration of their achievements, especially at the regular celebration assembly."
And of support, the report said: "Parents and carers find the school welcoming. They report that other faiths are respected. They feel that the school staff are very approachable. Their children are happy and encouraged by the staff to give their best."
St Peter's has been criticised by Ofsted inspectors for failing to provide an acceptable standard of education at the school.
But, despite placing the school in special measures, inspectors have praised the new headmistress Samantha Price who took up her post in April, nine months after the previous head was suspended and just a month before the Ofsted visit.
She has vowed to turn the school around and has already introduced a number of improvements.
Miss Price, the former deputy head of St John's Primary School, in Essington, was described as 'enthusiastic' by the diocese inspectors. She said of the Statutory Inspection of Anglican Schools' findings: "I was pleased to note that the representative from the diocese picked out some extremely positive aspects of our community here at St Peter's.
"These are excellent characteristics which will serve us well as we move forward to further enhance our provision here at St Peter's.
"We will continue to strengthen our links with St Peter's Church, the local community and the wider world so that our pupils can develop personally, socially, morally and spiritually and become thoughtful and well-rounded citizens."
