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Education
Head delighted at school report
Shaftesbury CofE Primary School has been recognised as ‘Good’ by Ofsted, following an inspection before Easter.
The school had previously been rated as ‘Requires Improvement’ following inspections in both 2014 and 2018.
Ofsted praised pupils, saying they talk ‘about the importance of aiming high and being respectful to others’ and that they are ‘proud of their school and enjoy learning’.
The ambitious curriculum brought in before the Covid-19 pandemic was highlighted as an area of improvement, with Ofsted saying it had ‘raised expectations of pupils’ learning’.
The school is also very good at meeting the needs of children with SEND needs, ensuring they are fully integrated into their classes with the right support.
Reading was praised, with the inspectors saying ‘the curriculum is implemented effectively…and prepares children to be keen and skilled readers’. Teachers nurture a love of reading and the school has a brilliant, well-stocked library for the children to enjoy.
Headteacher Paul Lavis said: “I’m so proud of our achievements and thrilled for our children and families who can now boast they come to a school the world sees as a ‘good’ school.
“We have such a great team here – including our governors, who provide us with fantastic support and guidance – all pulling in the same direction to provide a learning environment that has us all feeling safe and loved and that inspires everyone to be the best they can be. Well done to all.”
Shaftesbury Primary is a member of the Sherborne Area Schools’ Trust (SAST). Its chief executive Colin Sinclair said: “We are incredibly proud of the hard work of Paul and his team in raising standards, and delivering excellent education to pupils at the school. It is a difficult job to improve a school following a ‘Requires Improvement’ grading but the team have done that and more!”
Following the inspection, Mr Lavis has been appointed as a primary director of Improvement for SAST, where he will work to support other primary schools to help them improve, while continuing with his role as headteacher at Shaftesbury Primary.
Children plant trees for Ukraine
The Piddle Path Action Team joined hands with Piddle Valley CofE First School at Piddletrenthide, Dorchester, to plant 50 trees along the Piddle Path bridleway and raise funds for Ukraine.
The tree planting was split over two days. On the first day the entire school walked along the Piddle Path bridleway and each class adopted, and planted, ‘their’ tree.
Headteacher Jayne Browne said: “The children are excited about returning for regular visits to their tree. Just think of the four-yearolds in Reception enjoying their tree in 20 years’ time when both are fully grown!”
On the second day the tree planting was opened up to the wider community and people young and old came along wielding spade and watering can to adopt a tree.
A total of £345 was raised, which will be split between relief efforts in Ukraine and building a bike shelter at the school.
Pupils at St Nicholas CofE Primary School, Henstridge, with aid the school collected for war-torn Ukraine.
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