School celebrates Ofsted success
ONE of Ipswich's largest primary schools is celebrating today after receiving praise from inspectors.The quality of teaching and good pupil behaviour at Handford Hall Primary School has been recognised in a recently published Ofsted report.
ONE of Ipswich's largest primary schools is celebrating today after receiving praise from inspectors.
The quality of teaching and good pupil behaviour at Handford Hall Primary School has been recognised in a recently published Ofsted report.
Two years ago several weaknesses were identified at the school including the "very high level" of fixed-term exclusions.
And days before that Ofsted report was released, headteacher Shelagh Cohen quit the school giving just two days notice.
The 2002 report identified "serious weaknesses in the headteacher's leadership and management" and centred on a failure to develop a good working partnership with governors.
Today the situation has been turned around with the attitudes and behaviour of the children receiving substantial praise. Leadership and management have also been recognised for their strength.
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Jon Trotter took over the headship at the Gatacre Road school in July 2002.
He said: "The staff, governors and LEA have worked really hard to bring improvements and the school is at the forefront of curriculum developments.
"The school is looking forward to building on this success and will continue to give the children a good education."
This education includes a higher performance than the national average in English and enjoyment in thinking skills including Philosophy.
Ofsted also identified good relationships between staff and children and a positive attitude to creating a safe and secure environment for all pupils.
NWhat do you think of the school? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
