South Bristol school leaves special measures

Release Date: 17-Dec-2008

Ofsted inspectors have judged Ilminster Avenue Primary School a 'satisfactory' school and no longer in need of 'special measures'.

Bristol now has no schools in either 'special measures' or 'notice to improve' - the two Ofsted categories which identify schools requiring significant improvement.

Following an inspection of the school last month, the inspection report notes that:

the achievement of pupils by the end of year 6 is now satisfactory overall and good in science;
improved achievement is the result of better leadership and management;
implementation of the behaviour policy has led to improvements and a reduction in the number of exclusions;
pupils report they enjoy their education and the school has a caring ethos;
attendance has improved, although remains below the national average; and
the school has an accurate understanding of its strengths and weaknesses and the governing body provides good support and challenge.

The inspection report also states:

The school has a higher than average proportion of pupils with learning difficulties and disabilities and that the school serves an area of high social deprivation, where attainment of children on entry is well below national expectations.

Journey of improvement

Headteacher, Margaret Powell, said: “We've been on a long journey to improve standards at Ilminster Avenue. I'm delighted that the school has come out of special measures but we still have a great deal to do and there are still challenges ahead.”

Chair of Governors, James Wetz, said: “This report demonstrates clearly that the school has the capacity to address the challenges it faces. The governors are committed to working with staff and parents to ensure Ilminster Avenue Primary School is a safe, happy and challenging community, with an unrelenting commitment to checking no child gets left behind.”

Councillor Peter Hammond, Deputy Leader of Bristol City Council and Cabinet Member for Cohesion and Raising Achievement, said: “I'm delighted we no longer have any schools in Bristol that are in special measures. We've seen seven primary schools this year judged as outstanding and I hope to see a growing number reach this standard next year.”

Heather Tomlinson, Strategic Director for Children, Young People and Skills, said: “This is brilliant news for the school and for its local community, and the result of a great deal of hard work by many people. It's also a significant milestone for the city as a whole to have no schools in any OFSTED category. I am delighted for everyone who has contributed to this major achievement."

Illminster Avenue caters for 253 children in Knowle West.

Author: Katharine de Lisle 0117 922 2650

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