main content Oaklands Junior School, Biggin Hill

Ofsted has published the report of its inspection of Oaklands Junior School, which took place on March 20 and 21, 2007. The inspectors found that:

• pupils’ personal development, including spiritual, moral, social and cultural, was good;
• the vast majority of pupils enjoyed school and behaved well in class and around the school;
• they contributed to the community and were keen to take responsibility;
• the school had developed a satisfactory curriculum and this was enriched by extra-curricular activities;
• parents valued the school highly.

However, the inspectors found a number of weaknesses, which led them to the conclusion that its work overall was inadequate. Pupils were making insufficient progress, based on their ability when they joined the school. The inspectors recommended stronger links with the adjoining infant school. Leadership and management also needed to be strengthened. The report places the school in a category requiring “special measures”, to provide the school managers and governors with the support they need to secure an acceptable standard of education for pupils.

Elizabeth Meaton, chair of governors, said: “I am pleased that the inspectors noted the ‘positive climate for learning’ in the school, but overall this is a very disappointing outcome for us. However, we had identified many of the shortcomings before the inspectors’ report and have made considerable progress, with the support of the Authority, with our action plan. One positive outcome is that we are now working very closely with the Infant School. I was very encouraged at the parents’ meeting on May 15 by the many expressions of support from parents. They clearly continue to have faith in the school and will work with us to bring about the improvements that are needed.”

Councillor Ernest Noad, Executive Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People, said: “It is very disappointing when one of our schools slips into the special measures category. Oaklands Junior is the only one at present. I was pleased to note, however, the positive comments from the inspectors about the impact which recent support from the Authority has had on improving the quality of teaching and learning. I will ensure that the staff and governors are given every possible support to address the inspectors’ findings and secure the high standard of education to which we aspire for all our schools.”


ENDS


Notes to editors:

• For further information about this News Release, please contact Mike Carney, Planning and Communication Manager, on 020 8313 4038, or email mike.carney@bromley.gov.uk
• Further information is available at www.bromley.gov.uk