Head's joy as school gets an '˜outstanding' report

Amanda Clayton spoke after Ofsted rated Singleton Primary School as ‘outstanding’ – seven years after being described as ‘satisfactory’ by the education watchdog.

She said: “I joined Singleton in September 2010 and it was a very different school to the one it is today.

“We have been on a very challenging journey, full of ups and downs, but we have come such a long way.

“I am very grateful for the dedication of all the people involved in our school – governors, staff, pupils, parents, and volunteer helpers – all of whom have invested time, support, and believed in the potential of our little school.

“We are overjoyed with the outcome of the inspection and look forward to now building on our successes, and ensuring that in our ever-changing world we continue to give the best possible learning experiences to our children.”

Ofsted inspector Sue Eastwood visited the Church Road school in March before her report was published publicly last week.

Her rating comes after the school, which has 102 children on the books, was rated as ‘satisfactory’ in 2010, which is the equivalent of what is now ‘requires improvement’.

The school had a follow up visit the following July, and was later rated ‘good’ in January 2013.

Ms Eastwood said: “Singleton lives up to its school motto, ‘Passion for learning, passion for life’, in every aspect of its work. The exceptional leadership of the headteacher, the staff, and governors, has created a climate of high expectations, a love of learning, and an insistence on the very best for every pupil.

“Pupils rise to the teachers’ high expectations and benefit from the high-quality teaching they receive throughout the school. They are a credit to the school – they make a valuable contribution to its development, and play a central role in ensuring that everyone is welcome and cared for.”

She continued: “Behaviour is exemplary and pupils conduct themselves impeccably.

“They typically think the school is ‘amazing’ and feel very safe; parents agree.”

Ms Eastwood said youngsters with special needs or disabilities ‘thrive’, and also described the school’s reception class as ‘outstanding’.

She added: “Excellent leadership and teaching create a stimulating environment and ensure that children have a first-class start to school life.”

To improve even further, the school should help pupils reach higher standards in reading by allowing them to ‘think more deeply about characters’ feelings and intentions’, and to boost self-evaluation and development planning documents so governors can ‘assess the impact of actions quickly and easily’.

“On a personal note, I am very grateful to our staff who invested in my vision, who showed commitment and dedication beyond what I imagined,” Ms Clayton added.