Strand-on-the-Green celebrates 'Good' and 'Outstanding' merits

Strand-on-the Green Junior School is celebrating a positive Ofsted report which saw teaching and overall effectiveness of the school praised as 'Good'.

The inspection rated as 'Outstanding', the extent to which pupils adopt healthy lifestyles, and the way in which pupils contribute to the school and wider community. An 'outstanding' rating was also given to pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

While the quality of teaching, and the extent to which the curriculum meets pupils' needs was ' Good', the effectiveness of care, guidance and support was also praised as 'outstanding'. The report commented that the management of support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities was exceptionally well conducted. Listening to parents and carers was also praised as a feature of support.

The report also praised the 'clear vision and commitment' of the head teacher, Mrs. Harrison which it said inspired staff and it noted that staff morale was high. The School Governors were also praised for their committment and effective management.

Strand-on-the-Green school has 300 pupils from a diverse range of backgrounds. The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs is above average and just under half the pupils are from white British backgrounds.

Referring to academic achievement, the report noted some variation in attainment in English and mathematics from year to year but said in both subjects attainment was above national levels. Attendance was above average, and the parents questionaires had been highly positive.

The inspectors suggested that there were some goals the school could work on, including allowing more able pupils to commence work independently. It also suggested that the school involve children more in checking their own and others work.

The 'warm heartedness that characterised the school' gave pupils a strong sense of security and belonging, the report concluded.

Meanwhile local MP Mary Macleod has welcomed a decision from the Treasury that will see an additional £1.2 billion nationally spent on extra school places which she said was good news for Hounslow's students and teachers.

The announcement, which was part of a number of measures made in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement will see an increase in capital spending on schools as well as the introduction of up to 100 new free schools nationally.

Mary commented: “This is good news for Hounslow’s students and teachers. Recent Ofsted inspections and record exam results over the summer show that the standard of local schools is rising. This extra money will ensure that we can increase the number of spaces, ensuring that this trend continues. Given the shortage currently on school places in my constituency I will be speaking with the Treasury over the coming weeks to promote the needs of Hounslow and the need for additional funding.”

December 6, 2011