School monitors hail progress

The performance of a Swaffham school has been described as satisfactory after a monitoring inspection by the education watchdog.Swaffham CE VC Junior School was visited by an Ofsted officer last month, who inspected the premises and found that the school has made progress in reading and writing but continued “inadequate” progress in mathematics.

The performance of a Swaffham school has been described as satisfactory after a monitoring inspection by the education watchdog.

Swaffham CE VC Junior School was visited by an Ofsted officer last month, who inspected the premises and found that the school has made progress in reading and writing but continued “inadequate” progress in mathematics.

The report said: “Pupils lack the rapid recall of tables and number bonds that would make their work more accurate and efficient.”

But it added: “Nevertheless the work in pupils' books shows steady improvement since the last visit, although there remain weaknesses in aspects of pupils' spelling and punctuation.

“The continuing improvements in pupils' behaviour and attitudes are a real success across the school. Pupils are positive that while there are still some pupils who find it difficult to meet the higher expectations, there are now very few incidences of disruption to their learning.”

The inspector also found that the quality of teaching and learning continued to improve, with the greater emphasis on more focused planning, improved class management and higher expectations of what pupils are capable of achieving. He also praised the acting head teacher, Simon Morley, for his clear assessment of needs.

The report recommends that the school devise a detailed plan of action for mathematics based on a thorough evaluation of all aspects as well as enhance the personal development of older pupils through giving them a greater role in mentoring, supporting and guiding other pupils.

The document also advised that newly qualified teachers be appointed subject to a series of qualifications.