Wessex Primary headteacher working hard to 'enable rapid change' following inspection

Wessex Primary School’s new headteacher says the school is focusing on the areas it needs to improve following an Ofsted inspection.

The education watchdog gave the school a ‘Requires Improvement’ rating in a report published on June 15.

Inspectors said pupils enjoy their time at Wessex and the school demonstrates a positive culture of polite pupils and adults who care for them.

But a two-day inspection, completed on April 20, found improvements need to be made to raise academic and behaviour expectations.

Ofsted’s report said early years pupils don’t get off to the best possible start with their learning while many pupils leave Year 6 without being fully literate and numerate.

Headteacher Tim Beavan said he only been in his position for two days before the inspection but inspectors said he had a ‘firm handle’ on where the school needs to improve.

Mr Beavan told the Advertiser: “The report itself details the many positive areas at Wessex however it correctly highlights the areas that require improvement.

“The feedback we received during the inspection reflected our assessment and highlighted that we are focusing on the right areas of improvement for Wessex to rapidly become the school we all want it to be.

“It is pleasing that inspectors remarked upon positive changes that have taken place this year and also that despite being at the school for two days before the inspection, I have a firm handle on where the school needs to improve, have high expectations and am working with leaders to enable rapid change.”

The report noted Wessex had been through an ‘unsettling period’ due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But inspectors found the pace of change had been too slow since the school’s last Ofsted inspection in February 2020.

Issues pinpointed included too many pupils missing school regularly and behaviour not being consistent across the school.

School governors also need to do more to challenge school leaders on the quality of education, the report added.

The report said a robust system has been put in place to tackle persistent absence.

Inspectors said pupils are accepting of others and clearly know how to treat everyone equally.

A strong safeguarding culture also exists at Wessex and pupils know how to keep safe in person and online.

Mr Beavan thanked staff, pupils, school governors and the local authority for their support over the inspection period.

He added: “It is an exciting time to be at Wessex with the changes that are being implemented. The future is very positive for our pupils and we look forward to continuing to provide a caring and positive culture whilst ensuring high expectations for all with an unswerving aim for high standards.”