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Ofsted praises Lower Halstow school for incredible turnaround

Things are turning around for one village school.

Ofsted said Lower Halstow primary required improvements when inspectors visited in May 2013.

Fast forward two years and it has now been graded good.

In the summary of the latest report it says that is mainly down to executive head teacher Cathy Walker, together with acting head of school Simon Krafft, has successfully put the school on a firm footing by generating a clear vision for raising standards.

Acting head of school Simon Krafft and executive head Cathy Walker watch pupils jumping for joy after its latest Ofsted inspection
Acting head of school Simon Krafft and executive head Cathy Walker watch pupils jumping for joy after its latest Ofsted inspection

Pupils are said to be making good progress overall.

Most teaching is good with some of it considered to be outstanding, a key reason for the youngsters’ improving progress.

The curriculum is said to motivate both boys and girls and the report added the children’s behaviour is impeccable.

Under the section achievement of pupils, it adds: “Published test information does not appear to support the judgement that pupils’ achievement is good overall.

“However, the school’s assessments are checked rigorously and teaching is securely good.

“This view matches the findings of Her Majesty’s Inspector who carried out the follow-up visits since the last inspection.”

Acting head of school Simon Karfft and executive head Cathy Walker were left delighted at the Ofsted inspection
Acting head of school Simon Karfft and executive head Cathy Walker were left delighted at the Ofsted inspection

Mrs Walker said: “I am very proud of how hard the whole team has worked to get to good. It is well deserved and now we are all focused on continuing to move the school forward to outstanding in all areas.”

Mr Krafft added: “Our pupils behave brilliantly and deserve recognition for all the hard work they put in. They make the school a great place to learn and work.”

Chairman of governors of the federation Peter Marshall said: “The governors are delighted with the report.”

To improve further it says the quality of teaching needs to be improved in order to ensure more pupils across the school make better than expected progress by giving them more opportunities to practise and develop their reading and mathematics skills in order to accelerate their learning.

The number of pupils on the roll is 143.

To view the report in full visit the website http://reports.ofsted.gov.uk

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