School is moving in right direction says inspector

Fieldhead Primary Academy in Birstall was heavily criticised last July during a routine inspection and given the lowest scores in most areas by the education watchdog.

The school is now being monitored closely, and following a short visit recently there was some positive news for the Charlotte Close school.

The inspectors praised the improvement plan put in place, along with the leadership, children’s behaviour and the improvement to teaching.

Principal Victoria Saville said: “It’s good to have your hard work recognised, but we know there’s still plenty to do.

“We are heading in the right direction and we have got a really strong staff team - that’s the key, and everybody knows the message is about improving pupils’ outcomes.

“We want academic outcomes to improve but we also want our pupils to leave here ready for the next stage in their education with an understanding of tolerance and getting on with others."

The inspector met with the principal and vice-principal, senior and middle leaders, groups of pupils, representatives from the task group including the chair, representatives from the trust and the school business manager.

They observed classes, looked at pupils' work and considered the views of parents in a recent questionnaire sent out by the school.

Mrs Saville added: "The school was in a challenging situation and we knew there were lots of things that needed addressing so we have an action plan shared with everyone and obviously improvements take time to embed.

"The school is now a different place to how it was compared to last July.

"The children love coming to school now, and that is reflected in our improving attendance."