Ofsted tells three Havering schools: ‘Must do better’
- Credit: Archant
Three Havering schools have begun the year with a message from Ofsted that they need to improve.
Squirrels Heath Junior, Elm Park Primary and Ravensbourne School were all inspected in July and, in reports published this month, given a “requires improvement” rating.
Shortcomings in the teaching of spelling and maths were cited as reasons why South End Road’s Elm Park failed to make the grade.
In all categories – pupil achievement, teaching quality, pupil behaviour and safety, and leadership and management – the school was told it required improvement.
However, inspectors noted an improvement in governance since a 2013 inspection and found that pupils felt safe at the school.
Inconsistency and low expectations from teachers were highlighted as problems for Squirrels Heath, Salisbury Road.
Behaviour is also not always managed effectively, inspectors found, but attendance has improved, along with pupils’ achievement and students get on well.
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Ravensbourne is an all-ages school for children with learning difficulties, where pupils’ behaviour is rated “good”, but in all other categories Ofsted said it needs improvement.
Inspectors cited inconsistent teaching across the school and a repetitive nature in sixth-form work.
Head Margaret Cameron said: “We educate and care for children with profound and severe learning difficulties with additional complex physical, medical, sensory and behaviour needs.
“This means that rates of progress vary over time.”
Of the three, Ravensbourne is the only one to have dropped a grade since its last inspection.
Elm Park headteacher Victoria Morris admitted there was “still a lot more work to be done” and said: “We are all committed to continuing to make rapid improvements to the school and continuing to build on this progress.”
Squirrels Heath acting head Jackie Avis said the school was disappointed but not surprised, adding the schools had “a robust improvement plan in place”.
Branfil Primary School, of Cedar Avenue, Upminster, was also visited by Ofsted in July, with inspectors rating the school’s performance as “good” across the board.
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