Spittal head welcomes positive inspection

The headteacher of Spittal VC School has welcomed a positive inspection report by schools watchdog Estyn.

The school was rated ‘good’ overall for its current performance, while its prospects for improvement were also ‘good.’

John Palmer said staff, pupils and governors were delighted with the report and proud of their school.

He went on “We are very pleased with the findings of the inspectors. Our village school has a very special nurturing ethos. Attainment is high at Spittal and all staff work extremely hard to ensure that every child achieves the highest possible standards

“I am so proud of our pupils and staff and can’t praise them enough.”

“I am particularly pleased that the hard work of everyone involved with Spittal School – children, staff, governors, parents and volunteers – has been recognised in such a positive way within the report. There is a wonderful sense of family and community at our school.”

The report states:

“The school places a high priority on all aspects of pupils’ wellbeing. Pupils behave well in lessons and at break times. They are polite and show a mature level of care and concern for others.”

“The school is a friendly, welcoming community where adults and pupils treat each other with respect. The building and grounds provide a stimulating learning environment for all pupils. The facilities for outdoor learning make a valuable contribution to pupils’ learning, particularly the outdoor classroom, vegetable gardens and the forest school area.”

“A wide range of extra-curricular activities and residential visits enrich pupils’ learning and have a positive impact on their wellbeing.”

“As pupils move through the school, many make good progress in their Welsh language skills and develop an increasingly wide vocabulary. Provision for developing pupils’ Welsh language skills is good.”

“Pupils who get extra help with their reading make rapid progress and those who have additional learning needs achieve well in relation to their ability.”

“The headteacher has led notable improvements in the school’s self-evaluation procedures. Leaders and managers use a wide range of first-hand evidence effectively to inform their judgements about the quality of standards and provision.”

“The governing body carries out its duties effectively. Governors have an in-depth knowledge of the performance of the school.”

“The school works successfully with an extensive range of partners. This has a positive effect on pupils’ attainment and wellbeing. Many parents provide the school with exceptional support. The school works closely with the local pre-school playgroup to ensure that pupils settle quickly on entry the nursery class.

“Links with the village church, including the ‘Little Fishes’ after school club, run by parish members, build on the school’s Christian values effectively.”

“In view of the strong progress made by most pupils and the effective provision and leadership, the school provides good value for money.”

• For further information on the school see spittalschool.org.uk and spittalschoolparentsandfriends.org.uk. Follow Spittal School Parents and Friends on Facebook.