Ofsted Inspection gives Denefield the Green Light
Denefield School in Tilehurst has been removed from special measures following a two day ‘no notice’ inspection by Ofsted at the end of November.
The team of three inspectors observed lessons and held meetings with students, staff and governors. They found that the school no longer requires special measures and is now providing a satisfactory education to students. They found that there have been big improvements in all aspects of the school’s work, particularly the quality of leadership and teaching as well as the effectiveness of care, guidance and support.
The report notes that the proportion of good or better lessons has improved substantially since the last inspection. Teachers, it says, are ambitious to improve their teaching and the very practical training and coaching provided by senior leaders is having a positive impact.
In their meetings with students, the Ofsted team found that young people were very positive about the school, saying that it is improving all the time as the result of effective leadership. Students also say that they enjoy school and report that the systems for managing behaviour are clear and effective.
Headteacher, Glyn Whiteford, was appointed as substantive head, after the special measures judgement, in February 2009. Inspectors were clear in their findings that “the headteacher provides very clear strategic leadership. He and his senior team successfully communicate a clear vision for the school which is shared by staff. The whole school community and the governing body are working together as an enthusiastic, effective and cooperative team.”
The removing of the special measures category is part of a fast improving picture at Denefield. Last summer the school achieved their best ever examination results at GCSE and equivalent level qualifications. The school is now embarked on consultation over its plans to significantly upgrade teaching facilities with a £9 million refurbishment and new build programme. These plans include the building of a brand new science and technology block, a multi-use atrium, new Sixth Form spaces and upgraded facilities for other departments across the school.
Mr Whiteford said: “The removal of Denefield from special measures confirms the school’s own self assessment of our progress to date. I am delighted that the hard work of our staff, students and governors over the last two years has been recognised in this latest judgement from Ofsted. I want to thank our parents and the local community who have been so supportive in helping us drive forward the significant improvements that needed to take place. Our ambitions for the school are very high and continuing to improve standards remains our top priority.”
Chair of Governors, Lorraine Doyle said: “The whole governing body would like to pass on their congratulations to Mr Whiteford and all the staff for this fantastic conclusion to the Ofsted process. The school is now firmly on course to achieve the ambitious goals we have set for continued further improvement.”
Barbara Alexander, West Berkshire Executive Councillor for Education said: “I am very pleased that the inspectors have decided that Denefield School no longer requires special measures. Clearly, considerable improvements have been made under the successful leadership of the new headteacher and I am sure we can expect even better progress in the future. I would like to congratulate all of the students, staff and parents involved for their hard work and commitment to the school.”
A school inspection is carried out under section 5 of the Education Act 2005. It is a process of evidence gathering in order to provide an assessment of how well a school is performing. Inspections are short and focused, and dialogue with senior managers in the school plays a central part. The school’s self-evaluation provides the starting point for inspectors, and the views of pupils, parents and other stakeholders are taken into account. Inspections are conducted by a lead inspector and, depending on the size of the school, a team of inspectors. It must result in a written report indicating one of four grades: outstanding, good, satisfactory or inadequate.
The frequency, length and number of inspectors involved is in proportion to the need for guidance to support improvement.