School Ofsted monitoring visit

Audlem St James' school had an Ofsted monitoring visit earlier this month and now has the results.

The following is a copy of the letter sent to parents and carers on 27th February by Interim Head Rachel Johnson, the chair of the Interim Executive Board Derek Barnes and Cheshire East council.

You can read the full report from Ofsted by clicking on the link below the photo.

Dear Parents and Carers

The School had been expecting an Ofsted monitoring visit which would provide a detailed review of progress since the last full inspection in September 2010. This visit took place on 2nd February and the enclosed monitoring report from HMI Joanne Olsson presents the overall findings.

The judgement of inadequate progress is made over the whole period of 17 months since the last inspection and specifically refers to the areas for improvement set out in that report. It has confirmed the view of the IEB and that of the Local Authority (as outlined in the first position statement from the Local Authority presented to parents) that there is a real need to accelerate rates of improvement across the school.

The report identifies that recently, and together with the arrival of the interim headteacher, a more positive picture is being seen and the capacity of the school to move forward is being built. The Local Authority and the Interim Executive Board have taken action sharply focussed on the outcomes for all our pupils. It also recognises the work carried out by the school's staff in planning interesting lessons to engender enthusiasm for learning.

There is no doubt that much work remains to be done by the Headteacher, school staff, IEB, Diocese and Local Authority, in conjunction with you, the parents and carers. As was said at the recent parents' meeting in January, we are in this for the long term and are determined that the quality of education provided for Audlem children should be the best.

The HMI report will significantly influence the timing of the next full inspection and this emphasises the need to act decisively and make the key changes which will bring about rapid yet sustainable improvements. The establishment of the parent's forum is an example of how you, as parents, can help shape the future direction of the school and we encourage you all to consider being part of this new initiative.

To keep you all updated, the IEB has been preparing the selection process for appointing a Headteacher at school to take up post in September 2012. Final interviews are taking place on March 6th and we will, of course, be informing you of the outcome soon after that.

The IEB has also been carrying out a comprehensive review of staffing and finance at the school in order that this is appropriate to deliver the improvements necessary throughout the school. More detailed information regarding these developments along with an update on the Parents Forum will follow through the schools newsletter.

The school will be sending out the raising attainment plan which has stemmed from the work carried out by Rachel Johnson this term – HMI consider it appropriate and well focussed. It is being placed on the school's website and will be reviewed and updated at key points over the next two terms.

In summary, the HMI monitoring has further reinforced the need for a rapid and systematic review of school systems and to establish the highest standards of performance in terms of the quality of teaching and learning.

There are positive signs of improvement and it is essential now that we collectively work together to bring about the changes necessary. We are confident that this can be done and are committed to working with parents to improve the outcomes for all learners in the school

Yours faithfully

Rachel Johnson (Headteacher)   Derek Barnes (IEB Chair)      Cheshire East Local Authority 

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