Trish and Richard have welcomed a further OFSTED report on the progress of Devonshire Avenue primary school that gives the school a good rating. On 23 March Richard visited the school to see the Head, Mr Kersey, and congratulate him.

The school achieved “good” ratings in five separate assessment categories:

Leadership and management  – Good

Behaviour and safety of pupils  – Good

Quality of teaching – Good

Achievement of pupils – Good

Early years provision – Good

The summary of key findings prepared by OFSTED is reproduced below/

“Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school  Under the good leadership of the headteacher and deputy headteacher, there has been a successful drive to improve pupils’ achievement and the quality of teaching.  They are well supported by other senior leaders, staff and governors. Consequently, the dip in pupils’ performance which occurred after the last inspection has been successfully addressed. Pupils make good progress from their well below average starting points. By Year 6, their attainment in reading, writing and mathematics is now above average.  Pupils of all abilities achieve well with an increasing number making rapid progress in response to stimulating teaching. Improvement is particularly evident in writing which has, rightly, been a focus for development.  A very careful watch is kept on the progress of all pupils. Any pupils falling behind because they find learning difficult are quickly given extra help.  Provision and children’s progress in the Nursery is outstanding. Exciting learning opportunities encourage children to enjoy learning. Good progress in Reception ensures children get off to a good start.  Teaching is good. There are good systems to develop it further. Staff value the support provided by school leaders to help them improve their teaching.  School leaders have robust systems for promoting safeguarding. Pupils say they feel safe and are kept safe. They have good attitudes to learning and most behave well both in and out of the classroom. Most parents agree that behaviour is good.  Governors give good levels of challenge to school leaders. They have a very detailed knowledge of the school and share everyone’s ambitions for continuous improvement.”

Our picture, above, is of Trish and Richard at the school in front of the artwork that the pupils prepared that now adorns the hoarding at the Subsea7 site in Brighton Road.