Ofsted praises Cranbourne school's work during Covid

Cranbourne school was found to be "taking effective action to provide education in the current circumstances" by an Ofsted inspector who carried our a remote 'monitoring inspection' in March.

Routine inspections have been suspended during the pandemic.

Cranbourne was given a rating of 'Requires Improvement' in its most recent assessment in November 2019.

But the latest inspection saw Ofsted praise the staff's efforts to help pupils continue learning during the Covid pandemic, which has seen severe disruption with two extended closures to most pupils in the last twelve months.

The letter from Ofsted found that there was a "deep commitment of senior leaders" to the school and that pupils, parents and staff have valued this care.

It also found that parents who responded to a survey unanimously agreed that the school is giving pupils with special educational needs the support they need.

"There is a focus in identifying what knowledge and skills pupils are secure in and where they need further help," the letter added.

"Teachers are ensuring each individual pupil gets the guidance they need."

It went on to say that some of the "more intense support" the school needed previously is no longer required, because staff "now have the expert knowledge they need to deliver the school's curriculum".

The report added that the school's leadership team should take further action to "review and implement the personal development curriculum".

Speaking about the findings, headteacher Jane Aplin said: "I’m absolutely delighted with this report from Ofsted.

"My staff have worked jolly hard to meet the needs of our children and families since March 2020.

Cranbourne headteacher Jane Aplin.

"This deep commitment and high quality of education has been recognised by inspectors.

"I’m hugely proud of our school. Our motto 'Excellence in Everything' applies to all aspects of what we achieve as a school – even in a pandemic!”