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Eldene's glowing school report
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| Headteachers Heather Kellett and Susan Joslin celebrate the report with their pupils |
IT'S all smiles at Eldene Primary after the school was handed a glowing Ofsted report by inspectors.
The report recognised how proud the children were of their school.
In a letter from inspectors to the school it was noted that: "We can see that you are all proud of Eldene, and so you should be. It's a good school."
Susan Joslin, a joint head of the school, said: "This result is down to the good teamwork.
"We have faith in our staff and that shows through the report.
"There's always room for improvement so hopefully next time we'll do even better."
According to inspector Michael Burghart, the pastoral and physical care provided for pupils was outstanding.
They also said the school council was a delight'.
The inspectors also recognised that the children were not just happy at the school - but that they made good progress because of good teaching.
The report also said that the school was warm and welcoming.
It also highlighted a parent's comment about how their children were given fantastic support and were growing in ability and confidence.
Inspectors also found that the reception classes gave children a secure basis for further learning.
Good personal development was demonstrated by the positive response of pupils to the school's good care, guidance and support.
Pupils behaved well and showed enthusiasm along with being committed to keep healthy.
And the team also said the school had a good capacity for future development.
Mrs Joslin said: "I'm pleased that the inspectors recognised how well Heather Kellett, the other joint head, and I have worked together.
"I find it really good that Ofsted particularly commented on the way our leadership style helped us to set a good example to others and was effective in looking after the children's welfare as well as their educational needs."
Heather Kellett said: "Although there are a few joint heads in other parts of the country, we are the first in Swindon.
"It was great that the Governors of Eldene could see the advantages of this type of headship.
"We have had wonderful support from children, parents, staff and the local authority.
"The most important thing is the way all the staff worked together for the children of Eldene."
6:00pm Friday 28th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: Robert Feal-Martinez, Swindon on 7:49am Sat 29 Mar 08
This is an excellent result for the school, however I have one observation, why two Head teachers surely the money could have been used for additional teaching or support staff. I am not doubting the credentials of either but it does seem rather odd, even though other counties have done it. I note now one such school is looking for an Office Manager for two joint Heads. With schools constantly claiming a lack of resources for books etc, one does become a little concerned.
This is an excellent result for the school, however I have one observation, why two Head teachers surely the money could have been used for additional teaching or support staff. I am not doubting the credentials of either but it does seem rather odd, even though other counties have done it. I note now one such school is looking for an Office Manager for two joint Heads. With schools constantly claiming a lack of resources for books etc, one does become a little concerned.
Posted by: Chowmai, swindon on 7:58am Sat 29 Mar 08
I wonder if one of the benefits of having joint heads means that they can actually spend time teaching as well as managing the school. What better way to keep your finger on the pulse?
Anyway, whatever the reason well done Eldene.
I wonder if one of the benefits of having joint heads means that they can actually spend time teaching as well as managing the school. What better way to keep your finger on the pulse?
Anyway, whatever the reason well done Eldene.
Posted by: Robert Feal-Martinez, Swindon on 8:36am Sat 29 Mar 08
Chowmai, perhaps but that was what deputies were for. Or are there two of them as well. I am not questioning the achievement, just the economics at a time of apparent under funding.
Chowmai, perhaps but that was what deputies were for. Or are there two of them as well. I am not questioning the achievement, just the economics at a time of apparent under funding.
Posted by: Chowmai, swindon on 8:43am Sat 29 Mar 08
RFM, don't get me wrong I have no knowledge of the school other than what I have read here.
I just remember my own school days where one of the problems we, as students, felt was that the head hadn't seen the inside of a classroom to teach for years and had somehow lost touch with the realities of teaching.
Schools do in the main I believe control their own budgets to a certain extent.
In Eldenes case they are obviously doing something right to achieve such results.
RFM, don't get me wrong I have no knowledge of the school other than what I have read here.
I just remember my own school days where one of the problems we, as students, felt was that the head hadn't seen the inside of a classroom to teach for years and had somehow lost touch with the realities of teaching.
Schools do in the main I believe control their own budgets to a certain extent.
In Eldenes case they are obviously doing something right to achieve such results.
Posted by: Robert Feal-Martinez, Swindon on 9:37am Sat 29 Mar 08
Absolutely agree, and lets hope other schools locally are doing the same. It wasn't long ago that OFSTED failed the entire Council Education Department. Children are a countries future they need to be properly educated, without political or religious indoctrination, once that is finally sorted out we will again have an education system to be proud of.
Absolutely agree, and lets hope other schools locally are doing the same. It wasn't long ago that OFSTED failed the entire Council Education Department. Children are a countries future they need to be properly educated, without political or religious indoctrination, once that is finally sorted out we will again have an education system to be proud of.
Posted by: steve-o, Swindon on 1:06pm Sat 29 Mar 08
Anyway two good reports for local schools in two days it can only get better
Anyway two good reports for local schools in two days it can only get better
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