Big improvements at Sutton school

A Sutton primary school has dramatically turned around its fortunes after going from special measures to a ‘good’ school in under two years.
Croft Primary School, Sutton receives a Good OFSTED report. Pictured is headteacher Lizzie Blount with Investors in Pupils representatives from each year group.Croft Primary School, Sutton receives a Good OFSTED report. Pictured is headteacher Lizzie Blount with Investors in Pupils representatives from each year group.
Croft Primary School, Sutton receives a Good OFSTED report. Pictured is headteacher Lizzie Blount with Investors in Pupils representatives from each year group.

Croft Primary School, on Station Road, was given the thumbs up by Ofsted inspectors following its latest inspection in October, receiving a good rating in all areas.

The news of this achievement comes after the school was placed in special measures back in November 2011 after being rated as ‘inadequate’.

Headteacher Lizzie Blount said she was delighted with the Ofsted findings, which they will continue to build on.

She said: “Every member of the school community has worked tirelessly to ensure the necessary school improvements are achieved.

“I am extremely proud and delighted that the drive and commitment shown by pupils, staff, governors and parents has secured a ‘good’ judgement.

“We now look forward to continuing our journey to ‘outstanding’.

In its report, Croft was praised for the achievement of its pupils, the quality of teaching, the behaviour of pupils and the school’s leadership and management.

In the previous inspection, pupils’ attainment was found to be low in years 2 and 6, but inspectors now found that the children make ‘good progress’ and by the end of year 6, ‘reach standards in reading and mathematics that are in line with the national average and well above in writing’.

“Attainment in English and mathematics has improved year on year since the last inspection,” the report said.

The work of both teachers and teaching assistants was praised by Ofsted.

Teaching was found to be ‘usually good and some is outstanding’, and this was credited with having a direct impact on pupils’ rising attainment.

Teaching assistants were said to make ‘an outstanding contribution to pupils’ learning’ and are ‘valued as equal partners with teachers in pupils’ learning’.

Inspectors assessed the school as a ‘happy, safe and caring place where pupils from all backgrounds are welcomed’, and pupils were said to have behave well in lessons and at break.

‘Effective’ steps in tackling absenteeism were found to be in place and although attendance remains below average, a ‘steady improvement’ is being made.

Headteacher Mrs Blount was credited for her commitment, vision and drive, which ‘have ensured that previous weaknesses have been successfully addressed’.