Ofsted report
https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/119393
December 2023
Dear parents and carers
As you know, we welcomed Ofsted in school on the 1st and 2nd of November 2023 and I’m writing to inform you that Higher Walton CE Primary School has been judged by Ofsted to be ‘requires improvement’ in the latest inspection.
As a school we were judged to be accurate in our own self-evaluation, but are obviously disappointed with this result. We had already identified as a school the areas needed for improvement and have started to implement the things needed to get our school back to where it needs to be. This judgment does not reflect the continued effort and passion that our staff and governors put into our school every day, but is more the outcome of an ‘unstable period’ that the school has gone through over the last couple of years.
As the new Headteacher of Higher Walton CE Primary School I, alongside the school staff, governors, church and the wider school community are determined to see this as an opportunity for change and improvement for our school and we’re committed to make this happen, to ensure that all of our children have the opportunity to manifest, ‘Life in all it’s fullness…’
I want to personally thank everyone who completed Ofsted’s Parent View survey. This was such valuable feedback and is important information that we can use to continue to make the school the very best that it can be. I also want to draw your attention to the following positive feedback that we received from Ofsted to reassure you, as parents and carers, that the school is continuing to fulfil it’s Christian vision and values:
Everyone is made to feel welcome at this inclusive school.
The school has high ambitions for all its children to achieve well.
Pupils value the opportunities that they have to take on responsibilities.
Children in the early years quickly learn the school rules and routines.
Pupils have a strong moral view on the importance of treating others with respect.
The school’s leadership team have been busy reviewing all of the feedback that we received over the course of the inspection in depth and will look to update the school’s improvement plan with key priorities in curriculum, personal development, governance and attendance. During this process we will receive extra help and support from Lancashire’s School Improvement Service and we will receive another inspection within approximately 30 months.
Thank you once again for the support that you give the school and I look forward to continuing this journey with you.
Mrs. Clarke (Headteacher) and Rev. H. Boyd (Chair of Governors)