Dearne Valley school 'outstanding'

Schools inspections body OFSTED says improvement over the recent years at The Hill Primary School in Tudor Street, Thurnscoe, has been remarkable.

The school was inspected at the end of last year’s autumn term and the inspectors said the positive trend reflected the improving attainment amongst Year 6 leavers, who attained the expected or higher levels in English and mathematics, while children at the foundation stage were also making outstanding progress.

The school has 381 pupils aged between three and 11 years at its primary school and 45 pupils at its affiliated registered childcare centre, Hilltoppers Neighbourhood Nursery and inspectors found that they were benefitting from good teaching.

Each individual was provided with the support they needed in order to flourish in a stimulating environment.

"They concentrate very well on tasks and are invariably quick to volunteer answers to questions or to talk to the class about their work," the inspectors say, adding "the exceptional curriculum ensures that the pupils have plenty to write about and exciting and relevant reasons for writing."

The inspectors also found that despite pupils having a weakness with their writing skills, their high aspirations and strong work ethic enables them to pick up new skills such as information and communication technology (ICT) to support them as they go forward through their education.

Pupils with special educational needs or disabilities make good progress as a result of timely interventions by staff and effective individual support during lessons.

The highly effective lead given by the head, Sarah Creighton, is reflected in the shared aspirations and commitments of the staff and the governing body to provide pupils with the best possible start to their education. 

The inspectors added, "Expert, determined and dedicated leadership by the headteacher and senior leaders has driven the school to its position of outstanding effectiveness. Its improvement over recent years has been remarkable." Outside the classroom, teachers work with parents and carers to encourage children to continue their learning and prepare for the next stage of their education.  

Ofsted commented: "Pupils are given superb care, guidance and support, with first-rate attention paid to safeguarding, and with school working most effectively with a host of joint agencies and professional. In turn, the pupils show their concern for others making an exceptional contribution to the school and the community."

Taking an active interest in their local community, pupils have helped in choosing the street names in a new estate, as well as actively supporting a variety of causes both at home and abroad, helping to increase their awareness of current issues.  

The glowing report also praises the provision for children in the early years foundation stage. The inspectors says, "The childcare provision has a notable impact on the social skills and language development of the children, whose parents and carers use the service, giving the children's education a head start."

Welcoming the Ofsted report, Mrs Creighton said, "We are delighted with the outcomes of this report. The inspectors have recognised all of the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm of the staff, governing board, parents and carer, and especially the children."

The Ofsted report recommends the school improves in the areas relating to pupils' writing skills.