Friday 19 December 2014

Christmas Jumper Day



Today, pupils across the school have had fun dressing in their favourite Christmas jumpers whilst remembering those less fortunate than us.  We have seen some fantastic designs.

As usual, our families have greatly supported this event by donating food for the Rainham Food Bank.  This is a worthwhile local charity which helps families in need at a difficult time of year.

Thank you to everyone for your support.
 
If you would like more information on Rainham Food Bank please click on this link.

Congratulations to Suttons Primary School - OfSTED


Press Release
Staff, pupils and parents at Suttons Primary school, in Suttons Lane Hornchurch are delighted with their recent Ofsted report which has judged them, yet again, as being a “good” school.  It has been almost five years since the school was last inspected, during this time the school has undergone some major changes, including the appointment a new Head and Deputy Head teacher.

The inspectors assessed Suttons as being a “good” school overall and in each of the five key categories: Achievement of Pupils, Quality of Teaching, Behaviour and Safety, Leadership and Management and Early Years Provision.  In addition, the report states: “The school is outstanding in keeping pupils safe and secure.”

Suttons prides itself on being: “A small school with great expectations.” Members of the school community frequently talk about feeling part of a ‘Suttons Family’. The inspectors, who were in school on 27th and 28th November, agreed, saying: “The school’s friendly yet purposeful atmosphere enables all pupils to be fully included, whatever their needs or circumstances.”

Suttons is proud of the quality of teaching which challenges pupils, allows them to thrive and reach the highest levels of attainment. The school is also delighted that the behaviour and safety of pupils is praised. Pupils are keen to take on responsibility and are very proud of their school. They have positive attitudes to learning, are polite, friendly and show respect for one another and adults.
Head teacher, David Unwin-Bailey said, “This is a fantastic result for the school and a positive validation of all our effort.  Ofsted are continually raising their expectations, but so are we!” He added: “We are now looking forward to continuing the journey and building on our success as we move to outstanding.”


Wednesday 17 December 2014

OfSTED: Letter to parents


Dear Parents / Carers,
As you know, the school has recently had an Ofsted inspection and we are extremely pleased and proud to be able to report to you that the school has been assessed as being a “Good” school overall and in each of the five key categories: Achievement of Pupils, Quality of Teaching, Behaviour and Safety, Leadership and Management and Early Years Provision. 
This is a fantastic result for the school, considering recent changes to the inspection regime in September 2013 and again in January 2014, which has meant that the threshold for “Good” is now much more difficult to attain than was the case when we were last inspected in 2010.
The report acknowledges and praises the school and its students, recognising the schools progress saying:
  • Senior leaders, managers and governors have maintained a good level of education since the previous inspection by continuing to improve teaching and achievement (learning).
  • The leadership team have successfully created a culture where teaching is consistently good and where pupils can thrive. Most-able pupils are challenged well to reach the highest levels of attainment.
  • Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) make a valuable contribution to pupils’ progress and help them to achieve well.
  • The school’s friendly yet purposeful atmosphere enables all pupils to be fully included, whatever their needs or circumstances.
  • Behaviour of pupils is good. They have a positive attitude to learning, are polite, friendly and show respect for one another and adults.
  • Pupils are keen to take on responsibility and are very proud of their school.
  • The school is outstanding in keeping pupils safe and secure.
  • Pupils are very well equipped to deal with any bullying should it arise and they have an excellent insight into different types.
  • Pupils are enthusiastic learners. Adults ensure that work is set at the right level for them and they are suitably challenged.
  • Reading is well taught, enabling pupils to become confident and enthusiastic readers with a good understanding of text.
  • Teachers skilfully teach pupils to write creatively with flair and purpose.
  • Achievement overall is typically good with some groups of pupils, i.e. those that are eligible for additional funding make outstanding progress from their starting points.
  • Early Years is well led and managed. Staff track children’s progress thoroughly and keep careful records of their assessments. 
  • Pupils in Reception make good progress, as a result of adults taking every opportunity to promote learning.
We send our thanks for the multitude of positive feedback given to the inspectors from parents and carers in the playground, by letter and through Parent View.
As a school, we have all worked extremely hard over the last few years and the journey has been an extremely rewarding one.  The positive benefits can be seen throughout the school.  Ofsted’s recognition of this achievement through the awarding of a “Good” assessment is a positive validation of all our effort.  We are now looking forward to continuing the journey and building on our success as we move to outstanding.
As a school we remain, as always, fully committed to providing a high standard of teaching and learning for the children of Suttons Primary and will, with your support, strive to ensure the best possible outcomes for all of the children at our school.
Once you have had the chance to read the report in full, if you have any questions you would like to discuss, please email me directly on head@suttons.havering.sch.uk.
Kind regards,
David