We’re green for go!

May 23 2008 by David Norbury, Chester Chronicle

We’re green for go!

A PRIMARY school had the green light from inspectors.

The two day visit saw Overleigh St Mary’s Church of England Primary on Old Wrexham Road in Handbridge rated as outstanding or good in all areas.

The three inspectors described the curriculum followed by the 505 pupils as “outstanding” and “imaginative” with some “outstanding” teaching.

But outside the classroom, they were also impressed by the school’s eco group which enables the youngsters to get involved in environmental improvements including a newly landscaped pond, a duck box, a bird cam box and award winning gardens and wildlife areas.

The school is said to be good and improving rapidly with outstanding features.

Standards in art, music and drama are exceptionally high and contribute to standards across the curriculum.

Highly effective leadership and management is successfully driving the school forward with a “children first” approach – standards are above average and achievement is good.

The personal development and well being of the youngsters is exceptional and their behaviour is excellent.

Pupils make an outstanding contribution to the life of the school and the community through the school council and the eco group.

There are first class partnerships with parents and other schools and organisations.

“We are delighted to have received such positive feed back from Ofsted,” said headteacher Elaine Devine.

“We are particularly proud to have also been judged as an outstanding church school by the statutory inspection of Anglican schools process which follows an Ofsted inspection.”

Deputy head Viney Thapar is delighted with the “outstanding” grade given to the curriculum.

“This is an area we have been working tremendously hard to transform since the last inspection,” he said.