Notice to improve served on Heywood school

Ofsted has served a 'Notice to Improve' on Heap Bridge Primary school after school inspectors found that the their standards were not good enough. The inspectors require the Heywood school to improve the achievements of pupils in years 3 to year 6 and will return in about a year's time to make sure their recommendations to improve the school have been met.

Headteacher, Marie Boardman has promised rapid improvements in the achievements and standards, she said: "We welcome the inspection findings which confirm the areas for improvement our own leadership team and governors have already highlighted and begun to work on.

"We were heartened by the inspectors praise for our Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 classes where the inspectors said that children are well taught and attainment is well above national standards. Our aim now is to improve teaching and learning in Key Stage 2 so that good progress is maintained and attainment reflects this.

"The signs are already good with the percentage of pupils achieving Level 4 in their Key Stage 2 SATs up to 79% in English, 75% in Maths and 88% in Science.

"I believe we can now make rapid improvements before the inspectors return next year. Our staff are far more settled after significant staff changes in recent years. Completion of building work in December will be a huge boost for the school, as children in four classes will be able to move out of temporary rooms and into new classrooms and all children will be able to use the new library, playground and toilets.

"I am extremely confident that when Ofsted return they will see a school that truly reflects the good work being done by pupils, staff, governors and parents."

In their report on the school, they said: "The headteacher is aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the school and has identified appropriate areas for improvement."

Rochdale Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families, Councillor Irene Davidson said: "Both the school and the council take the notice to improve very seriously. But it is clear that staff and governors know the school's strengths and weaknesses and have firm plans in place to ensure that standards rise and areas for improvement echoed by Ofsted will be swiftly addressed."