1:50pm Sunday 13th July 2008
A TADLEY primary school has been rated as satisfactory in its first inspection by schools inspector Ofsted.
Burnham Copse Primary School, in Newchurch Road, was formed in January 2007 from the amalgamation of Burnham Copse Infant School and Burnham Copse Junior School.
The junior school had been placed in Special Measures in June 2006, due to below average test results.
In the report, based on a two-day inspection in May, lead inspector Chris Grove said: "Burnham Copse Primary is a satisfactory school. In a short space of time, the school's leadership and the staff have created a very positive ethos. This has resulted in an inclusive and inviting atmosphere that is conducive to learning."
In the report, the school was rated "Level 3, Satisfactory", for its overall effectiveness.
Achievements and standards at the school and the effectiveness of leadership and management were also rated satisfactory, however the overall personal development and wellbeing of learners at the school was rated as "Grade 2 - Good" - in the report.
Inspectors noted that national test results from 2007 at Key Stage 1 and 2 were below average in many areas, however the tests had been conducted when pupils had had less than two terms of learning in the new school, and pupils were now making better progress.
Mr Grove said the school should focus on raising standards, in particular the achievements of boys, and ensure pupils are provided with tasks that are well matched to their needs.
Lynne Downes, headteacher, said: "We are very happy that the Ofsted inspectors recognised the value of what we are doing in the school, together with the progress we have made in a short time."
She added: "The inspector was very positive overall and regretful that he had to make his report refer to the 2007 SATs results as they do not reflect the school that he saw.
"We are hoping that the SATs results achieved this year will reflect more of the improvements that have been made."
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