Bilton school marks 'significant strides' after being taken out of special measures

A Bilton school is celebrating '˜significant strides' after lifting itself out of special measures and an Ofsted rating of '˜inadequate'.
Pupils at the school.Pupils at the school.
Pupils at the school.

In 2016 inspectors placed Henry Hinde Junior School in special measures, highlighting problems with parts of leadership and pupil development.

After a series of monitoring visits, the school has now been moved to a ‘requires improvement’ rating – which is the step above ‘inadequate’ and the step below ‘good’.

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Inspectors said the school has been: “brave, determined and successful in dealing with many difficulties.”

Rachael Allen, headteacher, said: “This is a very proud moment for everyone associated with Henry Hinde Junior School.

“We have left no stone unturned in our efforts to address the issues raised previously, and I am delighted by the significant strides we have made.”

During the most recent inspection, the school secured a ‘good’ rating in two out of the four categories - with the other categories being rated ‘requires improvement’.

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Mrs Allen said: “For us to secure good judgements in key areas is testament to the hard work and effort of everyone associated with the school.”

Overall, Ofsted found the Effectiveness of Leadership and Management and Personal Development, Behaviour and Welfare to be Good, with Quality of Teaching and Learning and Outcomes for Pupils as Requiring Improvement after an historic legacy of weak teaching, leadership and governance.

Mrs Allen added: “Whilst it is great to have our progress recognised, the report includes two quotes from the pupils themselves that I take most satisfaction from.

“To have children telling Ofsted that ‘Everyone cares for you and I love coming to school,’ and ‘Things have really improved, and we are doing really well’, makes everything worthwhile. It shows the sense of community we have at this school.”

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In January Henry Hinde Junior School, previously part of NET Academies Trust, will officially be joining the Transforming Lives Education Trust (TLET), of which Ashlawn School is part of.

The inspection Teamstated: “The headteacher and assistant headteacher have done well to utilise the support of the new multi-academy trust.

“They and the trust are now looking forward to the start of a new partnership.”

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