Inspectors slam Thurcroft school's 'pedestrian teaching'

Thurcroft Juniors was visited by Ofsted inspectors for the second time since its critical report in February 2010 slammed “dull and mundane” teaching.

Inspector Marianne Young said lessons were still too often uninspiring and pedestrian in pace.

She added: “Since the last monitoring inspection [in June 2010], seven staff have left the school and there has been a staffing restructure.

“Attainment by pupils in Year 6, who took the national tests in 2010, improved slightly compared with the previous year.

“Although attainment remains significantly below average in English, it is closer to the national average overall.

“Progress in lessons is variable and generally reflects the quality of teaching. This variation was confirmed during the inspection, where the tasks set in lessons did not always match individuals’ needs and provide sufficient challenge for them.”

There were some positives for the Green Arbour Road school, however.

Mrs Young said: “Some teaching is more effective and progress is more rapid when lessons are appropriately planned, questioning is suitably targeted and resources are used imaginatively to enable pupils to work together in pairs and small groups.

“More use is being made of information and communication technology to support learning and support staff are being more effectively deployed in classrooms.

“The curriculum has improved both in terms of choice for pupils and content. This is

increasing pupils’ interests in, and enjoyment of, learning.”