"Can do" atmosphere at city school aids rapid improvements

Pupils at an Exeter primary are helped to learn by the collaborative ‘can do’ atmosphere throughout the school, according to education inspectors.

And they rate Pinhoe Church of England Primary as a good school on all five key aspects of school life.

They say Pinhoe’s overall effectiveness is good and so is the achievement of pupils, the quality of teaching, the leadership and management and the behaviour and safety of the pupils.

The rating is much improved from the satisfactory grade the school received less than three years ago and since then the school standards agency Ofsted has introduced a much tougher inspection regime.

Now Ofsted says: “This is a good school. Progress is good and rising because teaching is improving and this is raising achievement levels.”

Three inspectors spent two days at the school last month and their report has just been published. Lead inspector John Carnaghan concludes: “The headteacher inspires staff and governors to be ambitious for the school and its pupils.

“They have worked together well to move the school from satisfactory to good and achievement and teaching have improved.

“Leaders and managers are ambitious and well organised so the school is quickly improving (and) has the capacity to continue this improving trend.

“Teaching is good. Teachers usually make learning lively and fun (and) pupils are very keen to learn. This is evident in their enthusiasm and capability.

“Teaching assistants are skilled and support learning well. Relationships with adults and between pupils are often exemplary and learning benefits from a collaborative ‘can do’ atmosphere.”

Mr Carnaghan says pupils start school with skills below the levels expected for their age. But they make a good start and the Reception classes are purposeful and happy places to grow and learn.

By the time the pupils reach Year 6, they are attaining national standards which represents good achievement across their school career.

Mr Carnaghan says Pinhoe offers a rich mix of subjects and activities that are well adapted to the children’s needs and interests.

The school provides numerous experiences for pupils’ spiritual development and well-planned acts of collective worship promote reflection and prayer.

He says to continue its recent rapid improvements, the school should raise achievement further through more outstanding teaching, increase the time for pupils to work on their own and close the gap in progress between boys and girls.

Headteacher Sian Lane said: “We are extremely proud of our school and very pleased to be judged a good school.

“I am also delighted that Ofsted recognises our major improvement which is due to the hard work and dedication of the whole school community, particularly the staff, governors, children and their families.”

Chair of governors, Valerie Balfour, said: “We want to thank Mrs Lane and her staff for the dedication and energy they have shown.

“Since Mrs Lane’s appointment, so much has been achieved to raise academic standards through her strong leadership and enthusiasm. We all want to support the school in maintaining these high standards so we can go from strength to strength in the future.”