School hopes to boost numbers after positive Ofsted report

Teachers have been praised for creating a '˜caring and inclusive school community which is valued by pupils and parents.'
New headteacher at Thornton Primary School, David Ashcroft, is celebrating with pupils after getting a good Ofsted report.  He is pictured with Chloe Bamforth, Elan Philburn, Jonjo Edwards, Sophie DePledge, Abinash Pradeepan and Grace Brocklehurst.New headteacher at Thornton Primary School, David Ashcroft, is celebrating with pupils after getting a good Ofsted report.  He is pictured with Chloe Bamforth, Elan Philburn, Jonjo Edwards, Sophie DePledge, Abinash Pradeepan and Grace Brocklehurst.
New headteacher at Thornton Primary School, David Ashcroft, is celebrating with pupils after getting a good Ofsted report. He is pictured with Chloe Bamforth, Elan Philburn, Jonjo Edwards, Sophie DePledge, Abinash Pradeepan and Grace Brocklehurst.

Inspectors said Thornton Primary School’s core values – respect, love, and ambition – ‘underpin all the school does and demonstrate their commitment to ensuring that all pupils succeed.’

The school, in Heys Street, has been rated ‘good’ after a recent visit by education watchdog Ofsted, and following a similar rating in February 2014.

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In a letter, inspector Paul Tomkow said teachers were asked to improve the quality of teaching four years ago, and to make sure pupils made better progress in maths lessons.

He wrote: “As a result of your work, pupils typically experience high quality teaching. Teachers’ good subject knowledge enables them to make learning an enjoyable experience.

“There are now strengths in the teaching of mathematics. However, you recognise that further work is required in this subject so pupils make even better progress, and more achieve greater depth at the end of key stage two [the end of primary school].”

He said plans are in place to boost progress in reading and writing too, with teachers able to ‘recognise not enough of the most able pupils are reaching the higher standards’ by the time they leave for secondary school.

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Children often join with ‘low standards in literacy’ but make good progress after being taught early reading and writing skills effectively.

Results in reading and writing dipped last year, Mr Tomkow wrote, but said current pupils are making ‘good progress’.

“Nonetheless, school leaders recognise that too few pupils are reaching the higher standards at the end of key stage two,” he added.

“Leaders have identified this as an area for improvement.”

The school was found to be a ‘safe and nurturing place’ for pupils, with each child given a mentor to help with any worries or concerns.

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Attendance has improved to around the national average rate, and the curriculum was deemed to be ‘planned well’ and enhanced with art, music, and educational visits.

New headteacher David Ashcroft replaced Rachel Clements last month.

He said he is ‘proud’ to be taking over, and outlined his school’s aim.

“We are a good school but like any other we are always looking to improve,” he said today.

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“We want parents to come and have a look around – they will really like this school. Some families don’t even know we are here.”

The school, which has just over 100 pupils, was called Burn Naze Council School when it opened in 1914.

In 2006, it was re-named.

Mr Ashcroft, who taught at Weeton Primary School before becoming assistant head at Mayfield Primary School in St Annes, said: “Our aim is to increase our numbers over the coming years.”

Staff are happy to show parents around, he added. The office can be called on 01253 821128.