Ofsted praises ‘high quality’ Green Lane school and its caring pupils

STAFF and pupils at Barnard Castle’s Green Lane Primary School have double reason to celebrate this Christmas. 

Firstly, the school has maintained standards and continues to be rated “good” by Osfted despite what inspectors said was “significant staffing turbulence” during the past year.

Secondly, a new headteacher has been appointed to succeed Paula Ford, who stepped down at the end of the school year in July.

Rob Goffee, currently deputy head at Red Hall Primary School, in Darlington, will move to Green Lane next Easter.

The school’s acting co-headteachers, Nic Linsley and Alison Hartley, thanked all staff, pupils, governors and parents for their support during recent months after Ofsted inspector Sylvia Humble praised the leadership

team for remaining focussed and maintaining the good quality of education at Green Lane.

In her inspection report, based on a visit to the school on October 31, Ms Humble stated: “As acting headteachers, you both promote a calm and purposeful atmosphere in school. You share a clear picture of the school’s strengths and understand where further improvements would be beneficial.

“You work together to analyse pupils’ progress carefully and address any of your concerns quickly.

“As a result, pupils make good progress in reading, writing and mathematics and attain consistently high standards.”

Ms Humble also noted that the “overwhelming majority” of parents would recommend Green Lane to others.

“Parents were keen to tell me that staff and leaders are friendly, supportive and approachable,” she stated.

“Parents explain that staff provide a high quality of education for all pupils, including those with special educational needs or disabilities.”

She said pupils’ personal development, behaviour and welfare were as strong as in previous visits.

“Pupils feel very safe in school and know who to turn to if they ever need help. Older pupils helped younger children readily in the playground, without needing adults to guide them.

“Younger pupils welcomed the support and guidance from older pupils.”

Concluding her report, Ms Humble said the school should ensure recent improvements in maths were embedded so pupils in every class have enough time to apply their problem solving skills.

She also said geography and history teachers should monitor and track information so “outcomes are improved” for pupils.