Vale Primary receives 'good' inspection report

MEDIA RELEASE
Embargoed until 00.01am Wednesday 30^th March, 2016

Vale Primary receives 'good' inspection report

Vale Primary School has a warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere where children are actively involved and motivated by their learning, are comfortable in their surroundings and have good relationships with teachers, staff and other children, according to the school's latest independent inspection report.

A team of four HM Inspectors from Education Scotland visited the school earlier this month and spent three days observing lessons, talking with learners and looking at their work, engaging in discussions with staff and parents, looking at school records and other documentation, and scrutinising responses to the pre-validation questionnaires.

'Overall the school is making steady progress in raising children's attainment. The school identifies and supports children with barriers to learning well. In doing so, more children now attain minimum expected levels of attainment,' states the report. In addition, 'HM Inspectors evaluated children's progress at each year group across the school. Overall most children at each year group make similar good progress with the exception of children at Year 2 and Year 6, who commendably demonstrate a higher rate of progress and achievement in their learning.'

'Teachers use a range of techniques to encourage children to think and to become more involved in their learning. In most lessons children are given the opportunity to discuss and share their learning with a partner or within a group. The increasing use of digital technology is helping to motivate children. For example, in the Reception classes children enjoy using programmable toys and at Years 5 and 6 children confidently use tablets to record their successes in their work.

'Children are developing important leadership skills in a variety of ways. For example, in the lunchtime 'code club' a few children take on leadership roles to support the class teacher and to mentor their peers. These children and very proud of their role and enjoy sharing their knowledge more widely with their friends.'

The report highlights the positive relationships between staff and children and also the range of professionals and partners who support the children and the wider school community. Starting school and the transition from primary to secondary school was also identified by the inspectors as a strength.

'The 'Readiness for School' programme is used well to support parents and children in making the transition from pre-school to Reception. Arrangements for children as they transfer to secondary school are strong and have been developed over recent years to ensure more effective joint working and sharing of information about prior learning and the needs of learners. Staff work well with secondary schools to provide appropriate support for all children as they move to secondary.'

'Parents are being encouraged to become more actively involved in their children's learning through more open-ended homework tasks and through open days in classes to share their children's learning.'

The inspectors highlighted the positive impact of a new training initiative for teachers.

'Vale Primary School is the first primary school in the Bailiwick to invest in training staff in advanced teaching techniques through the 'Outstanding Teacher Initiative' (OTI). In the best lessons and where staff have benefited from this professional learning, teachers use a range of approaches to ensure the pace of learning is at the correct level and that children maintain high levels of motivation.'

The inspectors acknowledge that the school has been through a period of considerable change following the amalgamation of the infant and junior schools and the merger with St Sampson's Infant School. The report praises headteacher, Gary Hind, for successfully managing the changes.

'With valuable support from the Education Department, the headteacher has successfully created the conditions to build an ethos of collegiality amongst the amalgamated staff teams. As a result, a growing spirit of teamwork is evident and teachers are increasingly taking more ownership and responsibility in helping to improve the school. Across the school, there are examples of staff and leaders seeking out good practice from other schools in Guernsey and beyond.

'Since his appointment, the headteacher has led the process of significant change very effectively. Over the two amalgamation processes, he has managed the pace of change very well. Despite a number of staffing challenges over recent years, including vacancies in key leadership posts, and having to spend considerable periods of time in a teaching capacity, the headteacher has clearly had a positive impact on creating a whole school ethos; improving the environment for learning in classes; developing links with partners and the community, and in taking forward the development of the curriculum.'

Mr Hind paid tribute to his staff, the children and parents for their hard work and continuing support for the school.

 'When you take into consideration the significant changes experienced by everyone within our local school community over the last three years, it is extremely positive to see these key stakeholders recognised by validators in the strengths of the Vale Primary School.' He went on to add; 'Staff, parents and most importantly the children should be proud of their achievements thus far, in assisting with these developments in the school.

'The school now has 'good' foundations on which to build for further future successes. As the improvement areas indicate, the journey continues.'

Key strengths identified are:

• Articulate and confident children who are keen to learn and are proud of their school.

• Positive partnerships with parents, professionals and the local community which enrich children's experiences.

• The commitment of all staff to working in teams to improve the school.

• The Headteacher's leadership in managing change, building an ethos of teamwork, and in securing improvements for the school community.

Areas identified for how the school might continue to improve:

• Continue to improve approaches to meeting the learning needs of all children.

• Continue to develop the leadership skills of the staff team and of children.

• Use self-evaluation approaches in a focused way to secure further improvements.

The Education Scotland inspection framework includes evaluations against six indicators which are judged against six levels; excellent, very good, good, satisfactory, weak, unsatisfactory.

These are the evaluations for Vale Primary School.

The full report is published online at www.education.gg/inspections

Note to Editors: You are invited to Vale Primary School on Thursday 24^th March at 2pm to interview the headteacher, Mr Hind. Please park in the infant school car park.

Please confirm via email to Nicky Bougourd nbougourd@education.gov.gg if you are planning to attend. All interviews are embargoed for publication until 00.01am Wednesday 30^th March.

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