Another step forward for Jolesfield Primary

Jolesfield Primary, in Partridge Green, underwent a monitoring inspection in May after being taken out of special measures in March.

Her Majesty’s Inspector Theresa Phillips wrote to headteacher Susan Uff to detail her findings.

Ms Phillips’ report said school leaders showed “clear drive” to further improve Jolesfield and added: “You have acted quickly and effectively since the inspection, ably assisted by your senior team.

“You have rightly concentrated on improving the quality of teaching and learning.”

Mrs Uff said she was delighted the hard work and dedication of her staff and the children had been recognised.

She added: “The school has been committed to moving forward and to raising our standards quickly.”

Chair of governors David Green said Mrs Uff’s leadership had been “excellent” and added: “It has been a huge team effort and we are very proud of all the people involved and thankful to the parents and the local community for their continued support.

“We remain focused on further improving the school over the coming months and years.”

One area which had been recognised as requiring faster improvement was maths. Ms Phillips noted a thorough evaluation of mathematics teaching had been carried out and training needs identified.

While the work was too recent to have made an impact when her report was filed, she said the signs of improvement were “encouraging”.

She highlighted only one point which needed to be addressed – the strengthening of the school’s improvement plan so its impact on pupils could be more easily evaluated.

Speaking about the work put in by her and her team as Jolesfield continued its voyage of improvement, Mrs Uff added: “Targeted programmes have been effective in improving key areas including the quality of teaching, raising attainment and pupil progress and staff have positively embraced professional development opportunities to strengthen their skills.

“The good judgement made about our early years department and the behaviour and safety of pupils is particularly pleasing and something we are very proud of. I am so pleased that our substantial achievements have now been recognised as we continue to move the school forward.”

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