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Ofsted chief writes letter of praise to primary kids
A FITZROVIA primary school has received a glowing report from education chiefs just a year after being rapped by inspectors for unacceptable performance.
Ofsted inspectors heaped praise on All Souls Primary School, commending its “outstanding capacity to improve” and its “strong and positive ethos.”
A year ago the school received a formal warning from inspectors, but a staffroom shake-up has driven a remarkable turnaround.
Headteacher Alix Ascough, who took over the reins of the Foley Street school in the wake of the warning, was singled out as an “outstanding leader”. The report said: “The inspirational leadership of the headteacher has kept up the pace of change and ensured the school’s well-established strengths have been preserved while its shortcomings have been remedied.”
With just short of 200 pupils, mostly from deprived backgrounds, around a third of whom speak little or no English, the school has made big strides in breaking down barriers to getting a good education.
Ms Ascough said she was “delighted” with the report. She said: “It’s fantastic and pupils and teachers are feeling a great sense of achievement. We’ve all pulled together.
“There’s been nothing magic about it – just a lot of hard work. Before we were just coasting along but now we are making real progress.”
In an unusual step, the chief inspector wrote a letter to pupils explaining their findings.
Christopher Schenk wrote: “Thank you for your welcome when we came to inspect your school recently. We were impressed by your courtesy and openness when you talked to us. We think you go to a good school and make good progress in your learning.
“You get along very well together and respect each other’s different backgrounds and cultures.”
Councillor Sarah Richardson, cabinet member for children’s services said: “All Souls’ success is a tribute to the hard work, energy and drive of the teachers and pupils, as well as the support and commitment from parents and governors.” |
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