Special Measures Primary School

[putthekettleonwouldyou]

Our eldest started at our local primary school this term in reception, it was considered a good school (Ofsted) and is very well supported by parents and community. We have just been reported as Special Measures which came as a shock and although we thought there were improvements necessary we did not expect this the lowest grade to be awarded. Can anyone shed any light on what sort of timescales we could expect in terms of teaching improvement? We have a new HT who has come out well in the report as identifying areas of concern and needing management support. I don't want to knee jerk react and move elsewhere but at the same time we all want to do best by our children. I'd just welcome some thoughts / experiences please if anyone is willing - thanks

It's a long time ago now but when my eldest was in reception the school was put into special measures, a new and very enthusiastic head was put in place and with lots of support from the LEA (both time and money) the school rapidly improved. My son went on to achieve level 3s at KS1 sats and level 5s at KS2 sats.

I would say that with the new head being identified as being on the ball and having the ability to improve the school I would sit tight - being put into SM was the best thing that could have happened for our school. We'd had a temporary head for a few months prior to the inspection and without her ofsted would very likely have closed the school down from what we were told as governors as the only thing they could say that was positive is that music provision was good (provided by peripatetic teachers) and the children enjoyed coming! (I became a parent governor just after the inspection and was handed the report at my very first meeting!)

Sometimes special measures is the best thing that can happen as it usually results in quick turnaround through extra management resources, gets rid of dead wood, and high persistent scrutiny. The schools round here that have entered special measures have ended up outstanding quite quickly and those marked just level 3 satisfactory have remained in the status quo.

Is it an LEA school?
if it is, sit back and enjoy the resources that will the thrown at it to turn it around.

If it is an Academy, panic.

Have you seen the thread about Roke School in Surrey? They had a similar thing happen and are being forced into Academy status. There is a lot of fishy business going on there. Check that the same thing isn't happening at your school. If you and the other parents suspect foul play then I suggest contacting the journalists who have been covering the Roke story in the Guardian.

I posted this about 2 weeks ago.

DC's school went into Special Measures last Christmas. A new head had started that Sept, was heading in right direction but hadn't had enough time to sort things out.
It was absolutely the best thing for the children though very hard for staff I think. Lots of changes, staff leaving, lots of observations, raising of expectations, etc. We were paired with a local 'Outstanding' school and staff came in to support our staff. Governing body were also 'sidelined' in favour of an 'Interim Executive Board'.
DD (Yr 5 now) has REALLY benefited as her year group are an 'interesting one'. DS (now Yr2) hasn't been affected as much as he has a lovely year group and has had fabulous teachers.
Education standards have risen A LOT and lots of interesting things are happening to make learning fun.

They came out of Special Measures just before this Christmas (very quick I have been lead to believe) and are still heading upwards

Best thing to have happened to the school in my opinion though having a very driven head has helped.

HTH

feetheart
As I said, many LEAs do a great job of turning round most failing schools.
For failing Academies the picture is less clear.

Thank you all for taking the time to offer your thoughts, that has been very helpful.
It is an LEA school and no, no whiff as yet of any "foul play" but we will keep our eyes and ears open... I am encouraged too by some of the timescales mentioned as I had only experience of 4-5 years which frankly, would feel too long.
thanks again