Ofsted inspectors praise outstanding achievement of pupils at a Helsby school

Dec 15 2011 by David Norbury, Chester Chronicle

CHILDREN at a ‘happy’ Helsby primary school were praised for their outstanding achievement by Ofsted inspectors.

The three inspectors reached their conclusion after a two-day inspection of Helsby Hillside Primary in Bates Lane.

The school has 214 pupils on roll.

The inspectors told headteacher Craig Richardson he has a ‘good’ school with very positive features and with ‘good’ prospects for further improvement.

The children thrive and grow in confidence, say the inspectors and they develop good and sometimes outstanding life skills.

They feel ‘exceedingly safe’ mainly because, as they say, ‘there is no bullying at our school, we all look after each other.’

The good curriculum, has an ‘excellent’ range of activities beyond lessons and is greatly enjoyed by the youngsters.

Children in the early years foundation stage have a good start to their education.

The inspectors say ‘outstanding’ teaching practice was found and pupils’ achievement was also outstanding due to progress in English and maths.

Value for money was described as highly effective but the inspectors say the school does not yet provide exceptionally well for the children to justify an overall outstanding rating.

Teaching, the curriculum and the way the school cares for pupils are good but not yet outstanding.

Priorities for improvement are carefully pursued and the school has created a record of success.

The inspectors have made suggestions to increase the children’s learning and the progress they make in writing.

In a letter to the pupils, lead inspector Denise Shields said: “I know you are all very proud of your school so keep working very hard and try your best at all times.”