September news

Infant and Junior school has "exceptional leadership" according to Ofsted report

Government Ofsted inspectors have praised Milton Park Infant as a good school and Milton Park Junior as improving rapidly, in their latest report.

In May 2008 Milton Park Infant school was federated with Milton Park Junior, and parents have praised this partnership, with one saying: "I am extremely pleased with the improvements within the school and I think the whole place has a great "buzz" about it".

Milton Park Infant was considered a good school, which provided pupils with a positive start to their education.

Milton Park Junior was described as an improving school that provided a satisfactory education for its pupils. Inspectors also commented that since the last inspection the school had undergone significant, positive, changes.

Special congratulations were given to both schools for the outstanding leadership qualities of Headteacher Julie Smith, and praise given to staff teams across both schools for their understanding of the schools' strengths, and what needed to be done to improve further.

Headteacher Julie Smith said: "On behalf of both schools we are delighted with the comments from the inspectors.

"I am pleased they saw what a caring and supportive environment the infant and junior schools offer, which is testament to the hard-work of the pupils and staff.

"Milton Park Junior is seen as improving rapidly, and we want to capitalise on these positive comments. We know what we need to do to progress and make sure changes happen".

Inspectors commented on how Milton Park Infant created a very supportive atmosphere for learning, where children thoroughly enjoyed their days in school, and provided effective help where-ever needed so the least able and vulnerable pupils made good progress.

Milton Park Junior was considered a very caring and happy school. The school council provided pupils with an influential voice that has effective positive changes around the school, such as designing new school uniform and logo.

Teachers manage pupils' behaviour well and they know how to inspire confidence and enjoyment.

Areas for improvement for Milton Park Juniors were identified as raising standards in mathematics; ensure that teaching consistently challenges pupils to achieve their full potential and also improve the consistency of marking so that pupils benefit from more precise advice on how to improve.

Inspectors advised Milton Park Infants to improve the way teachers use assessments and their tracking systems to increase the progress of higher ability pupils.

Date : 19 September 2008