Outstanding Ofsted report for Rogate Primary School

Staff and pupils at Rogate Primary School are celebrating after Ofsted inspectors gave them an outstanding grade.

Mandy Hall who took over as headteacher in September 2009, told the Observer: “It was a very positive inspection and highlighted the many strengths and unique features which make our school so special to our children, parents, staff, governors and the community.”

She added: “In 2008 the school was under threat of closure, now in 2011 it is in the top nine per cent of primary schools in the country. As this report reflects the whole school community, it is something that we are all very proud of.”

Lead inspector David Marshall said it was ‘truly a school of its community’.

He said: “Rogate is an outstanding school. This is chiefly due to the outstanding effectiveness of the leaders and managers, the high calibre of pastoral care and the excellent progress pupils make.

“The headteacher, staff and governors know very well the school’s strengths and what needs to be refined further.

The report said pupils entered the school with skills and understanding that varied, but effective organisation and careful assessments enabled children to make good progress immediately in the early years foundation stage.

It said pupils’ personal development and their wider educational outcomes were excellent, which helped their all-round achievement, both academic and personal.

“Throughout the school, pupils are enthusiastic learners. They acquire a detailed understanding of safe and healthy choices and make an exceptional contribution to the school and wider community.”

In addition Mr Marshall commented on the ‘excellent behaviour’ of pupils and their keen appetite for teamwork. He said this together with their outstanding skills in English, mathematics and science, prepared them exceptionally well for the next stage in their learning.

Rogate’s Ofsted report said pupils with special educational needs and disabilities made excellent progress: “This stems from the high priority the school gives to meeting their needs.”

Staff worked hard to create attractive classrooms with imaginative displays: “A huge range of additional activities visits and visitors enhances the outstanding curriculum. The overall teaching is outstanding. Lessons are planned to make sure all pupils enjoy learning.”