Castle Lower School is Judged to be Outstanding- Again!

Ofsted have recognised that Castle Lower School is an outstanding school. Ofsted carried out their inspection of the school on 3 - 4 October, and every category assessed was judged to be… outstanding!

The two-day assessment was carried out with one day's notice. Inspectors gathered, and evaluated, a wide-range of evidence. The outstanding grade was awarded to the 'Achievement of Pupils', the 'Quality of Teaching', the 'Behaviour and Safety of Pupils', and the school's 'Leadership and Management'.

Ofsted noted the school's outstanding small group working, which the school is keen to continue. The report also stated 'Children achieve well in the Early Years Foundation Stage. They build on their good social skills to make particularly fast progress in their language and number skills.'

Ofsted outlined 'Teachers plan inspiring lessons that engage their pupils. As a result, pupils relish their learning.

Head teacher at Castle Lower School, Mick Marsh, said: "I would like to thank the hard work and co-operation of the whole school community; pupils, parents, staff and governors, for achieving this 'Outstanding' judgement from Ofsted."

Lib Dem Cllr Henry Vann, Portfolio Holder for Education at Bedford Borough Council, said: "Castle Lower School get it so right; they are a shining example of how a school should operate. Their previous Ofsted inspection confirmed it was an outstanding school and they have secured this, the highest grade, yet again."

Cllr Vann continued: "We can confirm that 92% of Bedford Borough's schools have been judged by Ofsted to be either good or outstanding."

Castle Lower School has recently secured funds, converting storage areas to teaching spaces to provide additional room for pupils to work in small groups on different tasks. It has also provided improved facilities for a secure area for reception.

To view Castle Lower School's Ofsted report in full, go to http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/