'I am proud of the staff and children' says Bow Head

INSPECTORS have praised a local primary school, calling it "happy and harmonious" and increased its rating from "Satisfactory" to "Good".

Ofsted inspectors visited the 105-pupil Bow Community Primary School at the beginning of October and have said the school is "good" in all areas, including achievement of pupils, quality of teaching, behaviour and safety of pupils, leadership and management and overall effectiveness.

The inspectors said: "The headteacher (Lesley Hodgson) provides highly effective leadership and management and has created a happy and harmonious school, with an ambitious vision which is shared by staff and governors.

"The achievement of pupils is good and has improved greatly in the last two years, especially in reading and mathematics. By the end of their time at school pupils attain standards similar to the national average.

"Pupils with special educational needs and those supported by pupil premium funding achieve well because their needs are carefully identified and appropriate help provided.

"Strong action has been taken to improve the quality of teaching which is now good overall, with examples of some outstanding teaching that motivates and inspires pupils.

"The curriculum is lively and interesting and makes excellent use of the school's beautiful outdoor environment to enhance learning.

"Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is promoted well through the curriculum and well-planned extra-curricular activities.

"Pupils' behaviour is good. They are proud of their school and show respect and courtesy towards each other and staff. Pupils form good relationships with others and consequently feel safe and happy at school. This is confirmed by the views of parents and carers.

"The governing body has an accurate view of the school and successfully provides valuable support for the headteacher and staff, while at the same time monitoring the work of the school and challenging staff to do even better."

Lesley Hodgson, who has been headteacher for the past three years, said of the results: "We have been working incredibly hard, (children and staff), and I am very proud of them.

"The children have been working hard to respond to changes within the curriculum and we are now starting to achieve higher results."

Alan Quick