A HEADTEACHER has admitted she is disappointed after her school was ordered to improve once again.

Harriet Phelps-Knights, headteacher at Janet Duke Primary School, in Markhams Chase, Laindon, was expecting Ofsted to award a good rating after she introduced widespread changes.

The school, which has 610 pupils on its roll, has had a difficult few years after being branded inadequate in 2012. It managed to move up to “requires improvement”

the following year, but has been unable to progress further.

During an inspection last month, Ofsted found pupils do not make as much progress as they should and their skills are not challenged by teachers.

Mrs Phelps-Knights said: “The outcome is not what we wanted, but we’re pleased with a lot of the content in the report.

Recently appointed staff are already having an impact.

“I was convinced we would get a good rating, but unfortunately we weren’t able to show Ofsted that the improved teaching was sustained. It all comes down to the timing of the inspection. I’m confident we will achieve our goal and secure a good rating at our next inspection.”

Inspectors found children are still having to catch up from previous poor teaching, and the high turnover of staff but they also praised a number of improvements.

Inspectors found: 

  • The school’s work to keep pupils safe, particularly those most vulnerable, is outstanding 
  • Pupils behave well in class and around the school, and respect all adults
  • Children enjoy being at school and are enthusiastic and keen to talk about their learning
  • High-quality marking provides pupils with helpful steps to improve their work
  • Children make good progress in reading and spelling

Ofsted also praised Mrs Phelps- Knights’ “relentless” drive.

Kelly Stock, lead inspector, said: “The headteacher is, deservedly, highly respected by staff and parents.

Her absolute determination to bring about improvement, despite the continual turnover of both staff and pupils, is recognised by governors and the Basildon Excellence Panel."

Expert is confident things will turn around

JANET Duke has been working with other schools in Basildon as part of a major project to drive up standards in education.

All 18 primaries in the town signed up to the Basildon Excellence Panel, which is made up of a crack team of experts and headed by former Ofsted chief Sir Mike Tomlinson.

By 2016 it aims to see all local primary schools rated good or outstanding by Ofsted, and to see Key Stage 2 test results above the Essex average.

Sir Mike is confident Janet Duke will meet the required standards in time.

He said: “I obviously would have preferred a good rating rather than requires improvement.

The school has faced some difficult challenges, not least in the high turnover of staff. A lot of the new staff are in their first year of teaching, so you can’t expect them to be of the highest standard.

“I think the headteacher is aware of the issues, and I’m confident that teaching will be good all round by next year.”