Langley Mill Junior looks to the future

17 October 2006

An action plan has been put in place to improve standards at Langley Mill Junior School, following a visit by Government education inspectors.

A team of three Ofsted inspectors found a number of strengths including the:

  • Subject leaders carry out their work with enthusiasm
  • Pupils behaviour is satisfactory and often good in lessons
  • Older pupils have opportunities to contribute to their community

But they placed the school in special measures to address weaknesses in teaching, achievement and management.

Immediate steps are being taken by staff and governors in consultation with Derbyshire County Council to raise standards.

Headteacher Peter Clayton said: “We have already started to tackle some of the weaknesses, as was recognised by the inspectors, and we are determined to take swift action on all the recommendations in the report and build on the strengths we already have.

“Improvements are being made and we are clear and focused on other changes that we need to make.”

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “When a school is placed in special measures it will always be a time of concern for parents.

“But our education advisors will work closely with the school’s headteacher and governors to ensure that everything possible is done to drive up standards.”

The school, which has 281 pupils aged seven to 11, was inspected on 11 and 12 September. Inspectors recommend that the school:

  • Improves the quality of management through more rigorous monitoring and evaluation
  • Raises standards, particularly for girls in reading, mathematics and science
  • Develop the pupils’ independent learning 
  • Take account of all statutory requirements for health and safety.

John Carnell, chair of governors, said: “A rigorous action plan has been drawn up to allow us to implement the inspectors’ recommendations.

“We will particularly concentrate focus on improving results in reading, mathematics and science.”

(REF: FW.428.06)

An action plan has been put in place to improve standards at Langley Mill Junior School, following a visit by Government education inspectors.

A team of three Ofsted inspectors found a number of strengths including the:

  • Subject leaders carry out their work with enthusiasm
  • Pupils behaviour is satisfactory and often good in lessons
  • Older pupils have opportunities to contribute to their community

But they placed the school in special measures to address weaknesses in teaching, achievement and management.

Immediate steps are being taken by staff and governors in consultation with Derbyshire County Council to raise standards.

Headteacher Peter Clayton said: “We have already started to tackle some of the weaknesses, as was recognised by the inspectors, and we are determined to take swift action on all the recommendations in the report and build on the strengths we already have.

“Improvements are being made and we are clear and focused on other changes that we need to make.”

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “When a school is placed in special measures it will always be a time of concern for parents.

“But our education advisors will work closely with the school’s headteacher and governors to ensure that everything possible is done to drive up standards.”

The school, which has 281 pupils aged seven to 11, was inspected on 11 and 12 September. Inspectors recommend that the school:

  • Improves the quality of management through more rigorous monitoring and evaluation
  • Raises standards, particularly for girls in reading, mathematics and science
  • Develop the pupils’ independent learning 
  • Take account of all statutory requirements for health and safety.

John Carnell, chair of governors, said: “A rigorous action plan has been drawn up to allow us to implement the inspectors’ recommendations.

“We will particularly concentrate focus on improving results in reading, mathematics and science.”

(REF: FW.428.06)

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