A report by Ofsted into the ongoing improvements at Heycroft Primary School has recognised the progress made by school leaders and outlined continued areas of priority moving forward.
The monitoring inspection, led by one of His Majesty's Inspectors took place on Tuesday 3 October and concentrated on pupil behaviour, curriculum development, safeguarding processes and support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The Interim Executive Board, put in place by Southend-on-Sea City Council, were praised for providing their knowledge and skills to aid the school's improvement work. While the report also acknowledged the cross-school working with South East Essex Academy Trust, which has enabled rapid improvements to be made to the curriculum.
George Hayes, chair of the Interim Executive Board, said: “Whilst there remains further work to be done to secure sustainable and consistent improvement, I am pleased that this process recognises the rapid progress that has been made by the Interim Executive Board and school leaders, supported by South East Essex Academy Trust.
“I hope that parents and carers, and most importantly, our children, can also reflect upon ways in which the school has changed and continues to adapt to provide a better quality of education for all. I take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to all stakeholders for delivering and adapting to change, which has resulted in such progress being secured to date.”
Cllr Helen Boyd, cabinet member for children's services, education and learning, said: “I am very pleased to see the improvement outlined in this report, as the school has been on a bit of a rollercoaster of a journey this year, but the recent stability in leadership has allowed for improvements to be made quickly.
“Credit must go to all those involved, not least the staff, students and families of the school who are taking on board the developments in order to make sure the children get the education they deserve.”
The Department for Education announced in July that Heycroft Primary School will formally become part of the South East Essex Academy Trust in the new year.
The full report can be found on the Ofsted website.