Rushden school continues to be good, says Ofsted

Inspectors from Ofsted have praised a Rushden school for maintaining its good quality of education.
Good Ofsted: Rushden: Noel Springett-McHugh, head teacher of South End Junior School, celebrating the Good Ofsted. 
Wednesday, November 29 2017 NNL-171129-174054009Good Ofsted: Rushden: Noel Springett-McHugh, head teacher of South End Junior School, celebrating the Good Ofsted. 
Wednesday, November 29 2017 NNL-171129-174054009
Good Ofsted: Rushden: Noel Springett-McHugh, head teacher of South End Junior School, celebrating the Good Ofsted. Wednesday, November 29 2017 NNL-171129-174054009

South End Junior School in Wymington Road “continues to be good” after an inspection from the education watchdog.

The school was praised for making improvements since its last inspection in 2013, when it was also graded as ‘good’, and developing a positive ethos.

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In a letter to parents, executive headteacher Noel Springett-McHugh said: “We are very pleased that the inspector agreed that we continue to be a good school.

“The inspection focused on areas to improve from the previous inspection, current education provision, leadership and management, safeguarding, behaviour and welfare.

“In all of these areas the quality of provision was highly praised.

“We were particularly pleased that some of our key successes were specifically highlighted.

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“As a school, we are delighted that the last two years of results under the new curriculum have been extremely positive and some of the best results for us.”

Inspectors highlighted an increase in the rate of writing, proud staff and pupils who respect school values in their report.

They also praised the wide range of opportunities for pupils and the fact parents have a very positive view about the school.

A letter to Mr Springett-McHugh from Ofsted said: “Following the last inspection, you were asked to develop pupils’ opportunities to find out things for themselves.

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“You and your staff have worked hard to provide your pupils with environments that meet the needs of all your pupils.”

The inspection will be the last overseen by Mr Springett-McHugh, who is leaving to join Oxley Park Academy in Milton Keynes at the end of the term after eight years at the school.

Associate head Gurdip Kaur will be the new interim headteacher from January, with governors looking to appoint a new permanent headteacher to start from September 2018.

The departing headteacher added: “I have been honoured to lead such an amazing establishment and I am pleased that this report confirms everything we all know.

“This has been the perfect end to my time as headteacher and the perfect platform for Miss Kaur and the team to take it on to new heights.”