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29 Apr 08Ofsted Report: Canford Heath Middle School
Canford Heath Middle School has been placed in "special measures" following a recent Ofsted inspection.
Governors of the school and the neighbouring Canford Heath First School have voted to move towards a federation of the two schools, led by an executive headteacher.
Borough of Poole, as the local education authority, has appointed Mrs Sue Pelham, headteacher of the first school, to act as consultant headteacher of the middle school until federation arrangements are finalised.
Ofsted, which carried out a two-day inspection in March, acknowledged recent improvements had been made in some classes, but said the school does not provide an effective education for pupils.
The inspectors' report identified that leadership and management at the school was inadequate, as was the quality of teaching. Standards were judged to have fallen significantly since the school's last inspection.
Inspectors did acknowledge the strengths of the school, particularly in the areas of sport and music. The school curriculum was judged to be sound and enriched by a good range of extra-curricular activities. Pupils also behave well and have a good understanding of how to live healthily.
Ofsted's report outlined actions the school should take to improve further. These include:
- Strengthening leadership and management
- Raising pupils' achievements and standards, especially in English, mathematics and science
- Ensuring greater consistency in the quality of teaching and learning
School governors and the local authority have welcomed the findings of the Ofsted inspection.
Sue Pelham, Consultant Headteacher of Canford Heath Middle School, said: "Since taking up my position, I have been impressed by the good behaviour and attitudes demonstrated by the pupils and welcome the support given to me by governors, staff and parents.
"There are many positive aspects to build on and I am looking forward to working with the school community and the local authority to restore a high standard of education."
John Nash, Strategic Director for Children's Services, Borough of Poole, said: "When a school requires special measures the Local Authority must act swiftly to address the issues the school faces. In this case the concerns were about pupil progress and leadership so it was important to re-establish the leadership of the school and get the school back on track. I am delighted that the two governing bodies have decided to federate their schools and accept the appointment of the Head of the First School"
The local authority and governors of both Canford Heath First and Middle Schools have written to parents inviting them to attend a meeting to discuss the federation proposals.
The meeting, to be held at Canford Heath First School on April 30 at 7.30pm, will mark the beginning of a consultation period on the future development of the two schools.
Directgov