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The going is good at Maiden Beech

From the Chard & Ilminster News, first published Wednesday 12th Jul 2006.

GOOD quality teaching and pupils who make good progress earned Crewkerne's Maiden Beech School a glowing OFSTED report.

Inspectors conducted a full inspection in early June and rated the school good' in all six categories, with outstanding' features in three.

In particular, attention was drawn to the school's positive ethos and good relationships, and pupils who enjoy coming to school.

Head teacher John Broad said: "We are delighted with this report. It's a good reflection of the skill and dedication of all the staff here and the excellent support we get from parents and governors.

"We're especially pleased that, at last, OFSTED inspection teams recognise the importance of the progress made by pupils which at Maiden Beech is excellent rather than simple attainment in tests."

In the report, the leadership and management were singled out for praise, and the school was described as having a clear direction and thorough monitoring and evaluation procedures.

Inspectors found Maiden Beech has good curriculum that provides well for gifted and talented pupils and those with learning difficulties and has an extremely wide range of extra activities' including residential visits at home and abroad.

The nationally recognised home study programme was judged outstanding. Achievements in music, drama, art and science also received particular attention.

Inspectors suggested improvements could be made by reviewing the school's approach to rewards and sanction, by raising the standard of all subject review reports to the outstanding quality that many already are, and by refining the process of monitoring pupil progress and target-setting into a single process.

Chair of governors Ken Leamon added: "The school's efforts and achievements have clearly been recognised by the high rating given by OFSTED in all of the inspection categories and in particular those aspects regarded as outstanding features."

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