Archived decisions

LEA commentary on school performance

Calmore Infant School

Calmore Infant School is an effective school. Standards are consistently in line with those of similar schools and many children make better than expected progress. The school has good self-evaluation procedures that enable it to judge how well it is doing and where there is scope for further improvement. The school is well led and has the capacity to sustain a strong programme of self-improvement.

At the time of the last Ofsted inspection in October 2002, Calmore Infant School was described as an improving school. Standards were rising (and have continued to do so) and the staff were described as committed to providing an interesting, relevant and effective education. The school was well led by the new headteacher and had a good partnership with parents. She continues to provide strong and effective leadership.

Calmore Junior School

Calmore Junior School requires some improvement. Standards are uneven across the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science. For some measures, standards compare favourably with similar schools but in other cases they are a little lower than in similar schools. Some children make good progress but for too many progress is a little less than could be expected. Under the leadership of the new head the school has well established self-evaluation procedures and a secure capacity to improve. There is consistently good teaching to a curriculum which is enriched by a range of learning opportunities and experiences.

The Ofsted inspection of March 2003 identified Calmore Junior School as an effective school. The inspection took place before 2003 Key Stage 2 test results were known. The report identifies several strengths, including good teaching which leads to effective learning, good leadership by those with responsibility, an excellent range of curriculum opportunities and good behaviour. The two key issues are to secure more consistency in the application of assessment, and to improve opportunities for pupils to engage in speaking and listening activities.