Ofsted Report

29/03/2012 4:41 pm

We are delighted to be able to share the final Ofsted report with you, which we feel reflects very well on our school. We can officially say that St John’s is a good school with outstanding features. Under the new Ofsted framework, in operation since January 2012, we are told that a number of schools have been downgraded which makes our achievements at St John’s all the more exceptional.

I would just like to share an email with you, which I received yesterday:-

Good morning Sally
Congratulations on the outcome of the Ofsted inspection for St John’s. We are all really delighted for you, the staff and the children.
To be judged ‘Good’ under the new framework is a considerable achievement. Well done and do pass on our congratulations to everyone at St John’s.
Have a well deserved break when it comes!
Best wishes,
Alex
Alex Tear
Director of Education Diocese of Rochester

I am full of thanks and admiration of this amazing school team. Going the extra mile, as endorsed by the inspection findings, is the culture of this school

As I mentioned in the last newsletter, the support of parents over the inspection period was greatly appreciated. The partnership between parents and school is a key part of our successes.
If anyone has any questions about the report, please do not hesitate to contact me.

What we do well (and sometimes outstandingly well):

“This is a school that it is not resting on its laurels.”

Learning and teaching

  • Pupils flourish both socially and academically
  • Pupils achieve well and develop a love of learning
  • Most teaching is good or better
  • Teachers plan exciting lessons that engage and motivate pupils well.
  • Pupils make good, and sometimes outstanding, progress in most lessons.
  • Teachers have good expectations of the more able and challenge them well.
  • Teaching successfully promotes pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and encourages an understanding of values such as respect, kindness and trust.
Behaviour and safety
  • Teachers manage pupils’ behaviour highly effectively
  • Pupils are sociable and articulate and develop good confidence and self-esteem.
  • Pupils are enthusiastic learners and their positive attitudes ensure that time is rarely wasted in lessons
  • Pupils are polite and courteous, and they support each other well.
  • The school has effective systems for promoting good behaviour
  • The school focuses strongly on keeping pupils safe.
  • The governing body ensures that safeguarding arrangements meet requirements.
Leadership and management
  • Strong leadership
  • The headteacher and other senior leaders are passionate about getting the best for their pupils and they embrace with enthusiasm new initiatives.
  • The governing body provides good challenge and support to the school and play a good part in planning for the future.
What we will continue to improve on:
  • Ensuring that teaching is always pitched at the right level for all pupils in every lesson
  • Strengthening the involvement of middle leaders and managers in monitoring all aspects of provision, especially that of teaching

Parent and Pupil Comments

‘The school is obviously growing in stature and we are delighted that our child is here.’ – Parent

‘I believe my son is making good progress because of the diligence of his teachers.’   – Parent

‘Teachers always go that extra mile.’  – Parent

‘Lessons are fun’  – Pupil

‘Bullying is very rare and is tackled quickly because adults listen to us’. – Pupil