Stogursey School Governors July 06

You will of course realise that this is the last report of the academic year. It is also a report in which the governors can say how proud they are of the school, the school staff, and the pupils.

The OFSTED report has been issued to all those people who must first receive it, and can now be made public. It is too long to copy in the News, but it starts by saying that, "Stogursey CE VA School is a good school because the headteacher, staff and governors are dedicated to continuous school improvement….It is well placed to build on its many successes and move forward…..The school is a central part of the community and is highly valued by parents. The school has created a caring environment where everyone is valued."

We have been officially declared a good school by the OFSTED inspectors and, as explained in previous reports, such a level is very difficult to achieve. Our small school is one of the best primary schools in the area and compares favourably with the best schools at national level.

We are aware that we must not be too self-congratulatory. However it is important that we celebrate the success of the school for its future progress and survival. It is also important that governors take the opportunity to say well done and thank you to all staff, pupils, and to the many people who have contributed. Areas for further improvement have already been identified, school will continue to need the support of the community and the dedication of the staff.

If any person would like more detail on the OFSTED report then I would be happy to discuss it with them. We still await the written OFSTED report from the Diocese. The verbal report gives cause for optimism.

Notwithstanding OFSTED`s, school has been a busy place this term. There have been netball tournaments, visits to school by an author, by a Caribbean team when the children made a CD, school photographs, communal school events, visits from school to Great Wood, a dance team at Wells Country Dancing Festival, a fossil hunt at Charmouth, a cycle proficiency course thanks to Liz and Tony Harris, and academic events. Other events including Eileen Gilbert Day, and The Pied Piper of Hamelin are yet to come. The stamina of staff and children is an unfailing source of amazement to me.
It is always a sad but proud occasion to lose our senior children to Haygrove, sad because they are leaving but we know that we are proud of them. Thank you children for the big contribution that each one of you has made to the school community. You will always be welcome back, and may God travel with you.

Thank you for your interest

Peter Farmery for the School Governors.