Nelson school is tackling its problems, says report (From Burnley and Pendle Citizen)

Nelson school is tackling its problems, says report

7:00pm Wednesday 20th March 2013 in Pendle By Chris Adams

A PRIMARY school, told that it required improvement after an inspection last year, has ‘made a reasonable start’ in tackling its problems.

Inspectors from Ofsted, the education regulator, described Nelson Castercliff Community Primary School as ‘below average’ in several areas when they visited in November 2012.

But an interim report said changes made by teachers and senior leaders at the Marsden Hall Road North school were already proving successful.

The initial report said many of the school’s 289 pupils had difficulties with language and communication skills.

It called for an improvement in the consistency of teaching and more effective use of teaching assistants to support pupils’ learning.

In a letter to headteacher Ian Chester, inspector Allan Tor said: “The staff have implemented the planned improvements to the teaching of phonics and early reading. The improvements are already proving to be successful and pupils’ reading has started to improve quickly.

“Teachers in years five and six have, in their English lessons, put a greater focus on teaching grammar and punctuation. Members of the governing body are effective in enabling and overseeing improvements in the school.

“They have allocated resources to the improvement in pupils’ reading which has included a significant cost in teachers’ time and professional development.

“They have also taken an active role in overseeing the changes and making sure they are effective in improving pupils’ attainment.”

Ofsted said it would continue to monitor the school’s progress, with another full inspection due within 18 months.

No-one from the school was available to comment.