UPDATED: Verdin High School in special measures (From Winsford Guardian)

UPDATED: Verdin High School in special measures

8:30am Wednesday 8th July 2009

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VERDIN High School has been placed in special measures by Ofsted.

A two-day inspection on May 20 and 21 concluded that the school had not made enough improvement over the last three years, but said present standards are already showing signs of recovery.

The report criticised low examination results, teaching standards, pupil behaviour, goal setting and the school’s methods of monitoring achievement.

It said: “The school’s impact on raising standards and improving achievement has been inadequate for too long because its understanding of the reasons for underachievement has not been sufficiently robust.”

However, it added that new systems were already being put in place to help pupils achieve their potential, and progress was being made.

Verdin has fallen below the national targets for GCSE achievement for the past three years, but results often do not paint the full picture as some pupils, particularly those with social or behavioural needs, are nurtured and educated through alternative means not necessarily resulting in a GCSE.

The sixth form was graded as being ‘satisfactory’ with the majority of students attending regularly and having ‘confidence in staff to provide support and guidance’.

And praise was given for the school’s care of vulnerable students and the speed at which bullying is dealt with.

The best teaching was said to be, ‘rigorous, purposeful and conducted at good pace’ and most students said they enjoyed life at Verdin.

Head teacher Paul Harrington said many of the problems have already been identified as priorities for the coming year.

He said: “Since the appointment of a new leadership group in April 2008 we have all been working hard to address the issue of raising standards, improving behaviour and ensuring all teaching and learning is good or better.”

Martin Howlett, principle head teacher of the Winsford Schools Federation, welcomed the local authority support and increased funding that special measures attracts.

He said: “I am pleased the inspection has highlighted the strengths of the school.

“I am also convinced that with the hard work and dedication of Verdin’s staff and students and the support of the community, standards of achievement will improve at Verdin.”

The report highlighted some problems caused by the recent federation of Verdin with Woodford Lodge.

John Burnett, chair of governors said: “As a governing body we have had to face many challenges in reforming education in Winsford. We are on a journey to make education in Winsford outstanding and the future is exciting.”

A spokesman for Cheshire West and Chester Council said it will be giving the school all the support it can over the coming months.

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