Ofsted Report
Old Town was judged to be 'outstanding' in its last Ofsted inspection, carried out on 17th October 2007.
Click here for a complete copy of this latest Ofsted report, or for a quick summary read on.
"The inspector evaluated the overall effectiveness of the school and investigated the following issues:
- How effectively teaching contributes to pupils' academic and personal achievements;
- The extent of pupils' understanding of cultural diversity;
- How well the systems for keeping the school under review inform the plans for improvement.
The inspector gathered evidence from observing lessons, having discussions with staff, chair of governors and pupils, gaining the views of parents, examining the school's records of checks on the quality of its work, and tracking pupils' progress and looking at their work. Other aspects of the school's work were not investigated in detail, but the inspector found no evidence to suggest that the school's own assessments, as given by its self-evaluation, were not justified, and these have been included where appropriate in this report.
This is an outstanding school held in high regard by parents and pupils. One parent, reflecting the views of many
others, commented that this is a school where 'children come first'. The success of the school is evident in the excellent progress made by pupils. From broadly average starting points in the nursery, they reach standards in reading, writing and mathematics which are consistently high by the end of Year 3.
Pupils are thriving academically and personally for very clear reasons. Leadership is excellent at all levels, providing clear direction and promoting high expectations. The school keeps its work under close review and constantly seeks to be better. Accurate identification of strengths and areas for improvement informs the well-targeted school plan for improvement. Staff give pupils outstanding academic and personal guidance. Everyone knows what is being done well and how each can do better.
The climate for learning is excellent. Everywhere the 'golden rules' are displayed and followed. Behaviour is excellent
and, because the curriculum is so motivating, pupils are focused intently on whatever they are doing. The consistency in promoting this atmosphere throughout the school is an exemplary feature of the outstanding teaching. Scrupulous attention is given to each child's welfare and progress. All the necessary procedures are in place to safeguard pupils in a secure environment. Excellent support is provided for pupils with learning difficulties and/ or disabilities as the school is quick to respond to need. In many cases these needs are sucessfully addressed in a relatively short space of time. The needs of the increasing number of pupils with English as an additional language are also carefully considered. Consequently, all pupils achieve outstandingly well....
Pupils ultimately reach high standards in their academic and personal development because of the richness of the curriculum and the outstanding quality of teaching and care.... Pupils' personal development and well-being and their spiritual, moral, socail and cultural development are excellent. The very strong links with other agencies ensure that what can be done for each pupil is done....
The partnership with parents to strengthen their contribution to their children's learning is highly effective and much valued.
The outstanding curriculum ensures pupils have an exceptionally good grounding in key skills and develop a senstive understanding of their own needs and those of others.... The opportunities pupils have to shoulder responsibilites and contribute to the development of the shcool enable them to become well-rounded and valuable human beings. The school admirably lives up to its mission of being 'a caring school, valuing children as individuals and offering a wide range of good quality learning experiences which encourage them to fulfil their potential."