Success story for Downham school
A West Norfolk school placed on special measures after a damning Ofsted inspection two years ago is celebrating a turn around in its fortunes.
Clackclose Community Primary School at Downham has announced that it has come out of special measures this week following another Ofsted inspection.
The school went into special measures in May 2005, but last September its governing body brought in new headteacher, Ronnie Koon.
Mr Koon, from Denver, Colorado, and previously a head in Cambridgeshire, was delighted with the school's new status and thanked children, staff and parents alike for the "team effort involved in making this progress possible".
He was also grateful to the school's governors and Norfolk County Council for their support over the last year.
The school had seen "significant achievements" since September and the inspector's report mirrored this progress.
"We still, however, have a lot of work to do to improve standards and performance further, but it is our intention to make Clackclose an outstanding school in the future," said Mr Koon.
One of the school's main achievements, he said, was distribution of leadership to key members of teaching staff.
"As a team, we are driving the school forward at a rapid, but sustainable pace."
Governors' chairman, Dr Ian Mack, was delighted the inspection team had identified several strengths, including the school's leadership and management.
"Mr Koon has worked very hard to build a strong team which will continue to drive up academic achievement, as well as ensuring that we value all our pupils and encourage their individual social, cultural and moral development."
The inspection report says the school has "improved significantly" as a result of the "decisive leadership" of Mr Koon and the able support of staff, the governing body and local authority.
In a letter to pupils, Ofsted HMI lead inspector Tricia Pritchard said inspectors were "very pleased" to see pupils enjoying school so much and wanting to learn.
However, she also said writing standards needed to be improved and boys, in particular, needed to improve their skills.
"Your teachers are aware of these points and already they are focusing on ways to improve your writing. We have asked your teachers, too, to ensure that those of you who find learning easy do better," she said.
Clackclose is a mixed school with 287 children aged three to 11 years.
The school, in Nursery Road, is holding an open event tomorrow from 3.20pm to 5pm to celebrate its achievements.
Parents, governors, Norfolk County Council and the local community are being invited to tour the school and see the children's work.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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