Shap Endowed C of E Primary School has been rated as ‘Good’ in all areas following a full Ofsted inspection last month.
The school was inspected over two days on 19 and 20 June 2019, with the Inspector looking areas including the quality of teaching and the effectiveness of leadership before finding that the school continues to be rated as ‘Good’.
The Inspector particularly highlighted the “strong progress” being made in mathematics whilst also praising the behaviour of pupils, both in class and around the school.
The Inspector also found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are provided for well, allowing them to make strong progress.
Headteacher Mrs Anne Maud said: “We’re very pleased with the outcome of the report and I’m delighted the Inspector left with such a positive impression of our school, our pupils and our teachers. “I’m particularly pleased to hear the school described as a happy and welcoming place where pupils learn well. However, as a headteacher, I always seek out from any report the areas for improvement. I can assure all parents that everyone involved in the school will take up the Inspector’s challenge of ensuring our most able pupils are pushed and given every encouragement to ensure they reach the maximum of their potential.”
“Prior to the inspection, I have already announced to teachers and parents that I will be leaving the school at the end of the academic year. I will walk out the door with a heavy heart but grateful the school continues to be held in such high regard.”
“Finally, I’d like to thank all of the staff, pupils, governors and families for their support – not just during the recent Ofsted inspection but throughout my seven years at the school.”
The Inspector picked out some of the initiatives pupils at Shap Primary are involved in which are not available to many other children in the country such as ‘Mini Police’ – which helps promote citizenship and responsibility – and involvement in singing, orienteering and ‘Total Warrior’ training.
The Inspector also highlighted the positive steps taken in leadership and management of the school, praising Governors for having “worked tirelessly and with a steely determination to improve their work”.
Chair of school governors Stephen Gee said: “The inspection report is good news for everyone involved in the school and the village as a whole. “I’m delighted to see the Inspector has recognised the exceptional work of all the teaching staff, the improvements which are being made and the achievements of our pupils.
“As Governors we will continue to support our great teaching staff whilst pushing the school to greater heights.
“Finally, I’d like to offer my heart-felt thanks to Mrs Maud for her outstanding tenure as headteacher of our village school. She has done a wonderful job and I’m sure I speak for everyone involved with the school when I say we’re all saddened to see her go.”
Link to online report – http://www.shap.cumbria.sch.uk/ofsted-and-siams/
