CREDIT: This story was first seen in the Halstead Express
Noticeable improvements have been made to a primary school after serious concerns were raised over the safety of pupils, the Halstead Express.
Ridgewell Primary School, in Church Lane, was rated “inadequate” after an Ofsted an inspection in November last year and placed in special measures.
The most recent inspection, on May 3, was carried out because of concerns over the effectiveness of safeguarding and the impact on the personal development and welfare of pupils in the school.
Despite the previous below-par inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding is now effective at the primary school.
The report said: “Since the inspection in November, you have wasted no time in ensuring that appropriate action has been taken to improve safeguarding processes and procedures highlighted in the school report.
“You have received intensive support from the local authority and have taken robust action to ensure that safeguarding is now effective.”
The inspector also noted that all staff received safeguarding training, while a more effective system for logging protection concerns had been implemented.
Governors at the school have acted on the issues raised previously, while Essex County Council has put in place a strategic intervention board to increase governor involvement.
The report said: “I saw much evidence that governors are now holding school leaders more to account for the safety and well-being of pupils. Governors visit the school regularly to check for themselves the quality of safeguarding arrangements.
“Governors are asking pertinent questions about safeguarding and becoming increasingly knowledgeable about their specific roles and responsibilities.
“Safeguarding is now a standard agenda item in governors’ meetings so that they can hold you more to account for the safety of pupils.”
Linda Buchanan, executive headteacher, said: “We are all very pleased to have it officially confirmed safeguarding is now effective in our school.
“It is encouraging the findings of the visit reflect the significant progress made since last November due to the hard work and diligence of everybody concerned.”
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