Ofsted Inspection of Speenhamland School in Newbury

West Berkshire Council is working closely with the senior management team at Speenhamland School in Newbury to introduce improvements in standards following a recent visit from Ofsted inspectors.

In their report, Inspectors found that the school offered outstanding personal development, behaviour and pupil motivation. The quality of lessons was found to be satisfactory overall with a curriculum which offers some good elements.

Inspectors also identified that further work is needed to encourage pupil progress and as a result they have issued a notice to improve. However, the report also states that the steps being taken to improve the school are the right ones and that "the way the school values each individual and seeks to include all pupils in school life is outstanding."

Barbara Alexander, West Berkshire Executive Councillor for Children and Young People said: "This is a disappointing outcome for Speenhamland School but I know that efforts are already being made to encourage pupils to make better progress and I am optimistic this work will ensure that standards will improve quickly."

Chairman of Governors, John Bowness, said, "Governors and staff agree that there is a problem with the progress children make. Whilst most children do well, each year there are some children who have not reached their potential and this is what we want to tackle. We need to be clear about the scale of the problem. Standards are in line with national results. Teaching is satisfactory. There are some very great strengths of the school in terms of pupil development. There is an issue with pupil progress and the school is already taking effective action to raise standards."

Headteacher Eleanor Brooks said, "At Speenhamland we put emphasis on developing the whole child and fostering a love of learning. We want our children to reach their potential and to have the skills they will need at secondary school and beyond. At the moment we need to put our energies into the academic side, but we are determined not to lose the other strengths of the school. I have been delighted with the reaction of the staff to this report. They are always hardworking, but everyone is prepared to put in the extra effort needed at the moment. The atmosphere is positive and determined. I am also pleased with the support that has been offered by West Berkshire Council."

Issued on 16 March 2009 By West Berkshire Council