Inspectors recognise progress at Eton Wick First School

Eton Wick C of E First School is 'on the up' following its latest Ofsted inspection.

Inspectors spent two days at the school in Sheepcote Road, Eton Wick, in June and their report acknowledges the progress made – in particular the steps taken in the last two terms 'to ensure a brighter future'.

The report highlights the stable leadership team and the support from the relatively new governing body, the Royal Borough and the diocese, focusing on the good teaching and subsequent achievement of all children in reaching their expected goals and the significant improvements achieved since the last report.

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for children's services, said she was delighted at the hard work which had led to such a well-deserved report.

She said: "Everyone at Eton Wick has really pulled together to achieve such an encouraging result and earn the praise of the Ofsted inspectors for the school's marked improvement since its last inspection.

"I am sure that the parents and the local community must be delighted that their local school has been recognised for its commitment to improving and the acknowledgement that there is now clear potential for even further improvement in the future.  Well done everyone!"

Chair of governors, the Rev Lucy Holt, said: "This report demonstrates that Eton Wick is definitely on the way up, with even more focus on the important Foundation stage when children start school.

"The report acknowledges that children settle in very happily, that the curriculum at this level is good, and excellent relationships between children and staff engender confidence in the children and help to develop a love of learning.

"It is now up to us all to build on this positive foundation to ensure that Eton Wick continues its upward journey and its determination to progress for the benefit of pupils, staff and the wider school community."

The need for 'significant improvement' highlighted in last year's Ofsted has been addressed in a number of ways including:
· the continuing development of a cohesive leadership team and staff who work together effectively
· the implementation of a well-focussed school development plan and tracking of pupils' progress which is providing a more accurate picture of achievements
· improving target-setting for pupils and carrying out more effective monitoring of progress.

To help Eton Wick continue to improve – and address the report's emphasis on the need to raise standards even higher – the inspectors recommend the following areas for improvement:
· further improve teaching to ensure that all pupils make consistently good progress and attain higher standards in English, mathematics and science
· develop the role of the key subject co-ordinators in the monitoring of their subjects
· ensure that the initiatives that are leading to improvement are monitored and evaluated rigorously against clear and measurable success criteria.

The report concludes that since the beginning of the year the school has "settled down, strengthened and taken steps to ensure a brighter future".