Ofsted endorsement for Bentworth Primary
Means all Hammersmith & Fulham schools are now in the clear
Bentworth Primary School, in Shepherds Bush, has been given the all-clear by Ofsted inspectors, who have lifted a 'notice to improve' from the school in recognition of its turnaround over the last 18 months.
This means that for the first time ever all schools in Hammersmith & Fulham have been judged to be satisfactory, good or outstanding by Ofsted - and none have a 'notice to improve' or are in 'special measures'.
Ofsted inspectors praised Bentworth Primary's headteacher Tony Proud, who arrived in September 2005, for providing the "strong leadership and direction" needed to spearhead improvements at the school. The report says, "Leadership and management are successfully promoting pupils' good personal development and satisfactory achievement. The headteacher has provided stability and a strong sense of direction. The teaching force is more settled and there is a positive and professional culture among the staff. Team spirit among staff is good and there is a clear commitment to making the school even better."
Inspectors say that past underachievement in English and maths has been addressed. "Teaching and learning are satisfactory and there is now a higher proportion of good teaching. The curriculum has been improved considerably and is now good. A good range of additional activities including music, chess, multi-sport and football add to pupils' interest and enjoyment."
Children's personal development and well-being are also assessed as good. The report says, "Pupils appreciate the importance of working together and respect others' beliefs and cultures.
They are friendly and considerate."
Bentworth governors, who include chair of governors Cllr Eugenie White, and H&F Council's school improvement advisers are also praised for helping to support the turnaround at the school.
Headteacher Tony Proud said, "The inspection provides us with the firm basis on which to continue improving the quality of learning and teaching at Bentworth. We celebrate this achievement with parents and children and all the fabulous staff here as well as our governing body who continue to help the school move from strength to strength."
Cllr Antony Lillis, cabinet member for children's services, said, "The is great news for Bentworth Primary School and fantastic news for the borough, as we now for the first time ever have no schools in any Ofsted category of weakness. We want to sustain this trend of improvement and ensure that local parents can have confidence in our schools."
April 27, 2007
