Ofsted praises school for improving standards

5:18pm Thursday 5th June 2008

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A struggling Tottenham primary school is on the road to recovery following an encouraging report from Ofsted.

Inspectors praised Stamford Hill Primary School for its progress and described it as "satisfactory and improving".

In its 2003 inspection, officers had found the overall effectiveness of the school to be "unsatisfactory".

But following the visit on June 1 and 2, reporting officer Peter Nathan said: "The management of the school has improved, as has the quality of teaching.

"Pupils are now achieving satisfactorily in English and mathematics and are working at higher levels."

Headteacher Gareth Thomas, who joined the school in September 2006, was singled out for his contribution to the good progress.

The report noted: "Through effective use of classroom observations, the headteacher has improved teaching."

"Senior leaders and governors are now giving a strong direction for the school. The focus is on raising standards and this is having an impact as pupils' progress is improving."

Councillor Liz Santry, cabinet member for children and young people, said: "Gareth has come in and brought about changes and improvements which I'm sure will continue in the months and years ahead."

The small school in Berkeley Road is attended by only 200 pupils, half of whom speak English as a second language, and start school with skills and understanding well below those expected of children of their age.

And, because it is situated in an area with high levels of temporary housing, pupil turnover is above average.

Mr Thomas said: "As a team we are determined to raise standards at the school.

"As the Ofsted inspectors have recognised, we have set challenging targets to improve standards."

The school was advised to focus on gaining better results in science, with advanced work for more capable students.

The report also said teachers should make pupils more aware of their own progress and areas where they need to improve.