The Willows comes out of special measures

Ofsted inspectors have recognised The Willows Primary School as a 'good school' in its latest inspection

A MAJOR milestone has been reached by a Greenham school that can now celebrate being out of special measures.

Staff and pupils will be rejoicing as The Willows Primary School has been deemed ‘Good' by Ofsted in its most recent inspection last month.

The school, formerly the failing Greenham Court Primary, was reopened under the Government's ‘fresh start' scheme in 2006 and following its first full Ofsted inspection in March 2010 it was placed in special measures; but inspectors have now identified that the school has rapidly improved in the past 18 months.

Headteacher Alex Butler said: “We are all truly delighted with this news. It is the outcome of many terms of hard work and total dedication towards providing a better future for local children.

“However, we are most definitely not complacent with this result and seek to become an even better school.”

In November 2009 Miss Butler was drafted in as executive headteacher to oversee improvement at the troubled Greenham school.

She is also headteacher of Hampstead Norreys Primary school, which had that year been recognised as one of the best performing schools not only in West Berkshire but in the country.

Her contributions have now also been recognised by inspector Christopher Russell, who paid a glowing tribute to her in his report of The Willows inspection last month.

He said: “This rapid improvement would not have been possible without the headteacher's high standards, clear direction and compelling sense of purpose.

“She has galvanised the staff, who now share her high expectations and ambition for The Willows.

“She has also strengthened the effectiveness of other leaders across the school.”

After a series of monitoring inspections at the school in which rapid improvements were noted by inspectors, it has now been given the all clear to come out of special measures.

In his report, inspector Mr Russell said: “Pupils across the school are now making good progress and attainment is rising rapidly.

“These improvements are largely the result of better teaching, although precisely targeted support for individual pupils also helps them to make rapid progress.”

He also noted improvements in behaviour and attendance, although he said attendance could still be improved further, while a reduction in the remaining variability in teaching was also noted as a recommendation for further improvement.

West Berkshire's executive councillor for children and young people, Irene Neill (Con, Aldermaston), said she was delighted that inspectors were so impressed with the school.

She said: “I know there has been a lot of hard work carried out to get to this stage and all of those involved, especially the headteachers and the staff can be proud of all their efforts.

“I am sure the school will continue to improve even further in the future.”