Gosport school staff shed tears of joy after positive Ofsted report

LEESLAND Church of England Junior school and its federated infant school are both celebrating being judged good after their recent Ofsted inspections.

They were both handed requires improvement in the previous two inspection.

But executive headteacher, Claire Wilson, said the latest verdict from inspectors brought a united cheer '“ and even a few tears - when announced in the staff room.

The junior school was inspected on October 10 and 11, with the infant school inspection taking place three weeks later.

Mrs Wilson said: '˜I am really proud of the children, families, staff and governors who continue to work so hard to make sure both of the Leesland schools are not just good, but great.

'˜I hope that having both Leesland schools recognised as good by Ofsted will have a positive impact on the Leesland area of Gosport and that the whole community also feels proud of the continuing improvements.'

Year 4 student, Ava Cross, aged 8, said: '˜I am proud to be at this school '“ everyone gets on with each other. I really like my teachers who help me with my work.'

Elodie Kerr, nine, added '˜The teachers are nice and the lessons are fun.'

A key target for the school to move out of requires improvement was to improve attainment and progress for students.

Mrs Wilson added: '˜The driving factor to improve student progress was to improve teaching and learning.

'˜The school has always had many strengths but the quality of teaching has definitely improved in the two years since our last inspection.

'˜Infant school results are now above national standards.

'˜The junior school is still below national standards for overall outcomes but pupil progress is identified in the report as being good.'

Mrs Wilson was also pleased the report recognised that children from disadvantaged backgrounds make '˜particularly good progress'.

The previous Ofsted inspection also resulted in changes taking place on the governing board.

Chair of governors, Peter Metcalf, said: '˜We have been on a long journey. I came in soon after the last Ofsted report and we had a real drive to increase governor recruitment. We now have a very strong governing body which includes a number of parents who have children at the school.'

Mr Metcalf and Mrs Wilson feel the judgement is recognition for not just the school but the whole local community.

Mrs Wilson said: '˜The report highlights the overwhelming support of families in the local community. It is vital to engage parental support to ensure the students do well.'

'˜This is something for the community to be proud of. We have always known we are a good school but now it is official,' added Mr Metcalf.

After being told the news in a celebratory assembly, the children are pleased and proud that the school's success has been recognised.