Outstanding Ofsted for Lindens Primary

LINDENS Primary School in Streetly has been called 'outstanding' by inspectors – totally transforming their critical judgment of four-and-a-half years ago.

Praising the school's 'rapid rate of improvement' and 'rising reputation', Ofsted highlighted the hard work of 'highly talented headteacher' Simon Griffiths, who joined the school amid its struggles of 2005.

The report says: "He has ensured staff at all levels have aspirations to do the best for pupils and to tackle all forms of weakness.

"Pupils' progress has accelerated steadily over the last few years. It is now outstanding because pupils make great gains in their learning across all dimensions of the first-rate curriculum.

"Attainment in the core areas of English and mathematics is consistently above average.

"It almost goes without saying that teaching is first class."

The school, on Hundred Acre Road, achieved the coveted inspection grade of 'outstanding' across all key criteria.

This meant the glowing compliment that "there is no complacency, rather a sense of fun, adventure and enquiry into ways in which provision and pupils' achievement can be made even better".

In September 2005, the school was given formal notice to improve after inspectors found that significant strides forward were required in relation to pupils' achievement and assessment.

Headteacher Simon Griffiths told the Observer: "Around four years ago, there was a notice to improve and Lindens was deemed to be a school that had many issues.

"This report – which really is a true reflection of what is happening at the school – is hard work paying off."

He said he knew he was part of a good school ahead of Ofsted's findings, published on Monday, but added: "I was absolutely stunned. You never quite know what the inspectors are looking at.

"We knew the teaching was good, but suddenly everything was coming out as 'outstanding'; it takes your breath away.

"We've been told there aren't many primary schools in the country – if any – which have 'outstanding' across the board.

"It's tremendous. We're still in shock.

"It's all because of the support of the staff, governors, parents and children here; it's a brilliant community to be part of."