Struggling school rapidly improved thanks to new headteacher

A primary school in Littleborough has undergone a huge turnaround thanks to a new headteacher who motivates everyone to go ‘many extra miles.’

Stansfield Hall Primary School is now rated ‘good’ by the education watchdog Ofsted following a recent inspection. This comes less than two years after it was judged ‘requires improvement’ by the government body.

Headteacher Donna Taylor-Smith joined the school  just after the poor Ofsted judgement and governorS say she has led the school’s progress.

The Todmorden Road school was praised for strengthening their curriculum and the provision for those with special educational needs – something the inspectors criticised last time out.

The team of four inspectors visited the school in October and November to assess their qualities – rating them as good in all categories of education qualities; behaviour; personal development; early years provision; and leadership.

Muriel Gott, the chair of governors said: “Donna kept a demoralised staff massively motivated to go the many extra miles needed to get us here. Not only are we a good school in all areas but we have a thriving new nursery that no one but our headteacher could envisage.”

The latest inspection report read: “This is a rapidly improving school. There are high aspirations for all pupils, including pupils  with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school’s curriculum is  designed with this ambition in mind.

“Pupils arrive at school each day full of excitement.  They love spending time together. Pupils new to the school settle quickly and make new friends. 

“Pupils blossom as a result of the school’s provision for their personal development. Staff  plan activities that help pupils to grow into kind, caring and confident citizens.”

Ofsted did point out that pupils perform below the national average in assessments currently. However, inspectors found leaders ‘worked tenaciously with staff to improve the effectiveness of teaching and learning’.

Ms Taylor-Smith said: “I am incredibly proud of the remarkable journey which my community and my team have been on over the last two years. We are a small school but we are the heart and soul of our community. 

“Our children and our community are at the heart of everything we do. We have high expectations and high aspirations for our community and this is evident through the quality of the education our children are now receiving. 

“This, along with our unwavering commitment to the nurture and wellbeing of pupils has led us to this accolade. The grit and determination shown by my team and our supportive community has moved me and I am so excited to see what the future brings for our little school.”

Ms Gott added, added: “Our Headteacher has delivered on her promise to rapidly improve the school.

“Our new headteacher joined us just after our RI judgement and in less than two years she has turned the school around. She promised she would and she has.  

“We are very proud of all our staff, children and parents. We are an amazing community centred around a brilliant school. Well done to Donna.”

George Lythgoe, Local Democracy Reporter