Ollerton school needs to improve say inspectors

Inspectors from education watchdog Ofsted found Maun Infant and Nursery School, Walesby Lane, New Ollerton, requires improvement during their latest visit.

However, inspectors said that since her appointment, headteacher Kerry Norman has effectively identified the areas for improvement and put in place comprehensive plans to raise standards,

They said she has successfully implemented changes to the curriculum and maintained the focus on raising standards across the school during a period of turbulence.

Their newly published report says: “Raised expectations of teachers, and other unforeseen factors, have resulted in changes in staffing. While the headteacher has worked hard to maintain consistency, this has not always been possible.

“There has been a focus on raising pupils’ attainment in English, maths and science.

“However, the quality of teaching in subjects such as history and geography is not always strong enough to develop pupils’ skills in these areas.”

Inspectors found the teaching of phonics is beginning to improve.

Miss Norman said: “Though disappointed to receive a ‘requires improvement’ judgement, we are pleased inspectors recognised positive aspects of our school, including our use of learning characters to develop children’s resilience.”

She said changes made to the teaching of phonics have had a significant positive impact on outcomes for pupils this year and brought it into line with national expectations;

Miss Norman said: “Pupils believe they are well-looked after by staff and feel safe.

“Pupils behave well around school, absence rates have improved and are now above the national average overall.

“Despite a number of challenges during the last few years, we are very well-supported by our families who spoke very positively about us to the inspectors.

“We will continue to build on our considerable strengths on our journey back to
‘good’.”