Good progress at The Willows Primary School

A recent Ofsted monitoring inspection noted improvements at the school, which is currently in special measures

PUPILS at a previously failing West Berkshire primary school are now making good progress under the leadership of a top headteacher, according to a recent Ofsted monitoring inspection.

The Willows Primary School in Greenham, formerly the failing Greenham Court Primary, was reopened under the Government's ‘fresh start' scheme in 2007 and following its first full Ofsted inspection last March, was placed in special measures as inspectors noted that although there were times the school had moved steadily forward, there were others when it had faltered.

In November 2009, the headteacher of Hampstead Norreys Primary School – one of the best performing schools in West Berkshire and the country at the time – Alex Butler, was drafted in as executive headteacher to oversee improvement at the troubled school.

And now, in the second monitoring inspection since the school was placed in special measures, inspectors have noted that pupils are making good or satisfactory progress under her leadership, and pupils' attainment is rising.

Commenting on the report, Miss Butler said it was an important milestone to getting out of special measures, which she hopes can be achieved later this year.

She said: “We are very pleased, but we need to keep up the hard work.

“We are not over confident or complacent, but to have people happy around the school is great for morale and this is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Meanwhile, school governor and district councillor for the Greenham ward, Billy Drummond (Lib Dem), said he was delighted to see the ‘dramatic improvements' in the school.

He said: “It is definitely on the way up and hopefully this can help change the perception of the school.”

Improved behaviour was also noted in the report, and also recognised improvements in attendance levels and the standard of teaching.

Inspectors said, however, that weaknesses in teaching were still evident in some lessons, although these were less widespread and much less pronounced than they had previously been.

Despite this, the inspector's report stated that in many integrated curriculum lessons, the activities did not challenge pupils sufficiently, teachers were not clear about what they expect pupils to gain from the lessons and the plans did not support the development of pupils' skills, knowledge and understanding across different curriculum subjects.

However, it said that there had been effective leadership under Miss Butler and her senior staff, and highlighted good morale among staff and the recognition among parents of their “considerable impact” on the school.

It also highlighted significant developments in the school improvement board in the last term, adding that it provides sharp accountability for the school's leaders in an effective and efficient way.

Chairman of the School Improvement Board, Rod King, said the report was a tribute to all the staff and children at the school, adding that it was down to strong and resolute leadership by Miss Butler and her team and children rising to the challenge with backing from parents.

He said: "Parents know that we will leave no stone unturned to ensure the highest possible achievements for our children."