A primary school requires improvement across a number of areas after a ‘turbulent time’ over the last two years according to inspectors from Ofsted.
Crowton Christ Church CE Primary School had two temporary headteachers in one six-month spell before the appointment last year of Lauren Hill.
At its last graded inspection more than a decade ago it received a rating of good in all areas but, at its latest graded inspection in November 2024, it received a rating of good in some areas and a rating of requires improvement in some areas. The rating of requires improvement relates to its quality of education, its quality of early years provision and its leadership and management.
A report said the staff and the students have positive attitudes to the ‘small school community’ but there are issues including inconsistencies in assessment strategies across subjects, inconsistencies in provisions for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and problems with pupils’ writing skills.
A report said: “The school has had a turbulent time since the previous inspection. […] This has had an impact in a few aspects of the school’s provision.
“However, now that the school’s leadership is more secure, it has started to make the necessary steps so that the improvements are made with pace.”
The inspectors, His Majesty’s Inspector Stuart Perkins and Ofsted Inspector Lisa Woolley, praised the headteacher Ms Hill saying she has ‘the confidence of the entire school community’ after her appointment around six months before the inspection.
The Northwich and Winsford Guardian asked Crowton Christ Church CE Primary School for a comment.
As of 2024 primary schools and secondary schools in the state sector do not receive an overall rating.
Instead of an overall rating they receive a rating in several areas on a scale of ‘inadequate’ to ‘outstanding’.
Crowton Christ Church CE Primary School:
Quality of Education – Requires ImprovementBehaviour and Attitudes – GoodPersonal Development – GoodLeadership and Management – Requires ImprovementEarly Years Provision: – Requires Improvement
For information go to www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted/.
This article is by Jack Tooth. He is available at jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk.