Pebsham's '˜satisfactory' Ofsted

Inspector Peter Thrussell said that while some aspects of the school are good or outstanding, others need “to be improved”.

However his assessment was described as “harsh” by headteacher Pat Strickson who said the school had already identified its own weaknesses and was working towards eliminating them.

Mr Thrussell, who was joined by three inspectors, found that pupils should do better in English and mathematics and highlighted a “significant dip in attainment at Key Stage 1 in 2010”.

The inspector said although progress had been made in this area since the last report, the school recognised there was still more to do to ensure consistently good teaching throughout.

He concluded work was not always challenging for pupils and that not enough was done by teachers to help youngsters achieve individual goals by tracking their progress.

He recommended teachers use the information they have to plan work for each pupil, that lessons involve everyone, that teachers show children how to improve work through better marking linked to their own individual targets.

He also said regular checks should be held to ensure “lessons are of the best quality”, and that the school makes sure its plans to help pupils do better are working as well as possible.

The report, which parents received this week but which goes online from Tuesday January 11, praised Pebsham school for its “outstanding” care, guidance and support for pupils, and also said links with parents and families are excellent. Attendance is above the national average and this too received an outstanding mark.

Mr Thrussell said that children get off to a good start in reception, that the school gives them opportunity to learn and development, and that pupils’ behaviour was good. He added that they have a good understanding of how to keep healthy and fit.

Headteacher Pat Strickson commented: “Pebsham is a good and welcoming community school with many fine and outstanding qualities. We have a great staff team and supportive parents and governors. We always aim high for our pupils and are extremely proud of their many achievements.

“It was a tough inspection just before Christmas but the Inspectors found nothing we ourselves had not highlighted in our own evaluation and were already working to improve, therefore satisfactory overall seems a harsh judgement when we know we are a good school.

“We are a hard working and focused school with the pupils at the heart of all we do. We therefore will take up this challenge. “We already know what’s needed and will build on our good and excellent qualities to ensure the best possible education for all the pupils here at Pebsham School.”