24/06/2004
Quiet Room leads to loud praise!
A Liverpool school has been praised by OFSTED for improvements in standards, and its work to provide a calm learning environment for pupils.
An inspection of Mab Lane Primary in West Derby found it provides a good education, particularly for children with special educational needs. It concluded that this is as a result of 'very effective leadership from the headteacher and key staff'.
The report says the children are extremely well behaved, and praises the school for its innovative 'quiet room'. It is staffed by a therapist and provides a calm environment where pupils learn to control their emotions and relax. It is painted as an underwater scene with the sound of whales and seabirds.
The report found it has led to an environment where a large majority of pupils are polite, helpful and enjoy learning.
OFSTED found the quality of education to be good, with teachers 'planning interesting activities' and lessons 'conducted at a brisk pace'.
Although test results in Years 3 to 6 are still below the national average, they are rising, and the inspectors concluded that pupils 'achieve well'.
Headteacher June Todd said: "I am delighted with this report because it shows that we have made excellent progress since the last inspection, and are providing pupils with a good start to their academic life.
"The Quiet Room has proved to be extremely popular with youngsters, and has led to a marked improvement in behaviour and attitudes towards learning."
Mab Lane is one of 18 schools which were either rebuilt or given a major overhaul as part of the city council's £300 million PFI deal with Jarvis to replace outdated buildings with 21st century facilities.
The report praised the new look school for providing good facilities, including a well-equipped computer suite.
Councillor Paul Clein, Executive Member for Education, said: "Congratulations to the staff and pupils for their hard work and making such good progress since the last inspection.
"It is further evidence that standards of schooling in the city are continuing to rise, and that today's generation of schoolchildren will be the best educated for decades."
As a follow up to the conclusions of the report, the school will be working on an agreed marking policy and supporting more able pupils.
ENDS
<< Back