Failing primary school shows continued signs of improvement (From Basildon Recorder)

Failing primary school shows continued signs of improvement

8:30am Friday 8th March 2013 in News By Luke Lambert

AN UNDER fire primary school could be out of special measures by the end of the school year.

This is the view of the executive headteacher of Cherry Tree Primary School, on Church Road, which has recently undergone its second Oftsed monitoring report since it went into special measures 12 months ago.

The report, which is not yet released on the Ofsted website, says the school is ‘transformed from the last inspection’ saying ‘behaviour is now a strength rather than a concern, the teaching of systematic phonics has greatly improved, as has the overall quality of teaching.’

It continues: ‘Lessons are usually conducted at a brisk pace with interesting activities for pupils. Teachers are using an increasing range of ways of checking how well pupils are doing during the lesson, such as the use of mini-whiteboards to show teachers what pupils have written.’

Bozena Laraway, Executive Headteacher, has overseen the school’s transition, presiding over a complete overhaul in senior staff and teachers.

This has been reflected in the two most recent reports and she is confident that when inspectors return next term the school will no longer be deemed as failing.

Mrs Laraway said: “We are very pleased with the report. The report confirms the high standard of education provided to all pupils at our school. The pupils are proud of the school and are interested in learning and reaching the targets set for them. Parents are supporting their childrens learning at home and this is very much appreciated.

“Our partnership with St Helen’s has proved very fruitful and I believe it is always good for schools to work together. We are a community and are improving every day. I am very confident we will be out of special measures by our next inspection.”