Burnley school is 'haven of calm'

8:10pm Friday 25th July 2008

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A BURNLEY school described as a “haven of calm” has been praised by inspectors for its improving standards.

The Government’s schools watchdog said Springfield Primary School, in Oxford Road, was getting better and said parents were clearly happy with its education.

And the Ofsted report of the 131-pupil school said staff had reason to be pleased with recent attainment in key subjects.

The report said: “The school has several good features, and there has been recent improvement in the pupils’ progress and achievement.

“Standards, particularly in reading and mathematics, are improving and, although below average, are moving closer to the national levels.

“Convincing evidence seen during the inspection also shows standards in years three to six are rising, particularly in reading and mathematics.

“The indications are that pupils are on track to reach the targets set for them and that achievement is satisfactory.”

Meanwhile, inspectors were also impressed with parents’ views of the town centre school and the care of its children.

“The school provides a haven of calm and parents value the school highly,” the report added.

“They are right when they say their children are well looked after. As one parent wrote, ‘Adults are wonderfully helpful and caring’.

“Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school and many make a good contribution towards their child’s learning.

“One parent said, ’I’ve never had a day when my child doesn’t want to come to school.’”

However, the inspection - which branded the school ‘satisfactory’ overall - sounded a warning that further improvements are needed if it is to be graded ‘good’ next time.

It concluded: “Teachers’ expectations are not always high enough and a small minority of pupils do not do as well as they should.

“Leadership and management are satisfactory rather than good because standards have not yet been raised enough.”

Ofsted is the Government’s official schools watchdog and is responsible for inspections in England.