THERE’S a double cause for celebrations at Scissett CE First School.
The school has received a glowing report from education inspectors and has been judged as “outstanding”, the highest category, for a second time. It was also successfully inspected in April 2006.
Gill Hepworth, the reporting inspector praised the school for its “special character.” She said “the ethos of high expectations and striving for even more for pupils” was what made it so successful.
Headteacher Elaine Watson was also singled out for praise because of her high expectations.
She said: “In schools we do not feel that we are doing anything out of the ordinary, we are just doing our best to make learning an enjoyable and exciting journey for the children and community we serve.
“I’m thrilled to bits. The report is a measure of the hard work, enthusiasm and commitment of everyone connected with school. I am delighted with the pupils. They are a wonderful set of young people and it is a joy and privilege to work with them.”
The report which has been endorsed by an outstanding report by church school inspectors particularly praised the standards which year two students achieve at the end of key stage one, higher than usually found in similar schools.
It also praised the quality of the curriculum and foundation stage support.
The report said: “Creative and imaginative activities feature prominently in the planning for lessons so pupils have many opportunities to take part in drama and practical work.”
She also said the Early Years Foundation Stage “buzzes with purposeful play” and said children settle well because of the high levels of care and support they receive.
“Outstanding teaching and learning ensure that children get off to a wonderful start.”
All year three children are learning to play the violin as part of the scheme where additional funding was made available under the government’s Music for All scheme.
Childrens voices are also listened to at the school, they were found to confident and articulate and their abilities are further enhanced through a range of sporting activities, after school clubs and their contribution to the school council.
Parents describe the school as “fantastic” and the report notes the school is not content “to rest of its laurels” and is modest in its self evaluation.
Since the last inspection the school has grown from strength to strength, continually striving to meet the changing needs of pupils.
Brian Kirkham, is chair of the school governors and works in the classroom weekly.
He said the school was proud of the school, its strong links with parents, and its outstanding leadership team.
“The outstanding personal development of our children at Scissett, is an important part of the school’s Christian ethos.
“Our reward for our effort is that the inspector described the school as an extremely happy and welcoming school where pupils thoroughly enjoy all aspects of their education.
Mrs Watson added: “We have a superb team of people at Scissett First School with staff, governors and parents all working together to meet the needs of children and trying to make a difference. We have a lot to celebrate at Scissett CE First School but once our celebrations are over we will continue towards making sure that we maintain our high standards so that every child can have the success they deserve.”
