Appetite for learning

PUPILS at Sycamore Lane ‘enjoy their schooling’ and ‘work together harmoniously and productively.’

These are just some of the many positive comments made in the school’s recent OFSTED report.

Inspectors judged the school as ‘satisfactory and improving school where pupils’ personal development is good and they enjoy a stimulating and vibrant curriculum’ in a recent visit in February.

The report noted that personal development is a strength of the school and parents speak highly of this. One comment read ‘My son’s behaviour and skills have improved greatly since starting at Sycamore Lane School.’

Friendliness is important to the pupils and this is reflected in the pupils ‘good behaviour’ and their attitude and appetite for learning. Their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development was also commented on as good. This is being developed through a recently introduced and effective programme for personal, social, health and citizenship education.

The inspectors noted that pupils and parents recognise that the pupils are cared for well and have good pastoral support. Good relationships exist in the school and pupils are confident that they know who to turn to for help when necessary. Support staff were singled out for focussing on pupils needs and children with learning difficulties are making good progress.

The school also has good links with schools overseas in France and Spain which helps to broaden the pupils’ horizons. The indoor environment is stimulating yet calm and orderly so that children are keen to learn.

The positive impact of the development of cross-curricular links based around the arts was highlighted in the report. For example, pupils’ writing has been stimulated through role play and history topics have been brought to life.

Pupils are being offered meaningful learning experiences, for example, Year 5 pupils made soap on their science industry day and this soap is now used in the school cloakroom.

The inspectors stated that the leadership skills of the headteacher were bringing ‘vigorous and purposeful leadership to the school’ and ‘gathering a very supportive team around her who share her vision and understand the school’s needs’.

The school will be focusing on making improvements in the following areas as highlighted in the report:

• raise the achievement of all pupils
• improve the quality and consistency of teaching
• improve the access to outdoor learning for Foundation Stage

Headteacher Joanne Hewson said:

“We are pleased that so many positive aspects of our school were highlighted in this OFSTED report and strive hard to make the school a friendly and caring environment to learn in.With a new team in place I feel that we have the tools to make the necessary improvements and more to raise our achievements.”

Clare Earps, Chair of Governors, said:

“The governors are pleased that the report shows that we are an improving school and the recommendations in their report concur with those in the Schools Self Evaluation. The governors will continue to work with the Leadership team of the school to move the school forward to achieve Outstanding status in the future. The pupils are a credit to the school and fittingly their good behaviour and enthusiasm has been highlighted by the OFSTED inspectors in their report”.

Issued by:  Gina Coldrick, Press Officer
Date:   Wednesday 7 May 2008
Release: Immediate