Chantry School OFSTED success

The school experienced one of the new-style shortened inspections in early September and was found to be "a good school with some significant strengths" and outstanding elements.

The outstanding elements came under the category of personal development and well-being. Ofsted recognised that pupils are confident, self assured and sensitive to the needs of others. Ofsted have asked the school to track the progress of pupils in key stage one more rigorously to ensure they are making the same level of progress as those pupils in key stage two and to seek the views of parents as part of their cycle of review.

The school is delighted with the outcome of the report and will continue to build on its current success. New headteacher Christine Dickens said "I had only been in post four days when I got the call telling me of the inspection, but I am delighted it has come so soon after my appointment.

"Ofsted have identified some key areas of strength and it's always useful to have an external view about the areas we need to focus on."

Meanwhile, the Government has this week welcomed evidence from Ofsted that Creative Partnerships programmes are generating good creative approaches and positive attitudes by school leaders, teachers and creative practitioners and pupils are developing good personal and social skills.

Welcoming the report, Culture Minister David Lammy said: 'When we set up Creative Partnerships in 2002 it was because we believed that the creative and cultural sectors have an essential role to play in exciting minds and enriching educational experiences.

"I'm delighted that the report published today supports this and that Ofsted found such good evidence that the programme was contributing to each of the Every Child Matters outcome.'

Catherine Orbach, director of Creative Partnerships, Hastings and East Sussex, said: "We are delighted with Ofsted evidence, findings and recommendations. It supports our excitement about developments in Hastings and East Sussex. Now that we've just moved into the second year of activity in the region, we are seeing schools beginning to choose to work with creative partners to address some of the most fundamental issues for their students.

"These include developing language skills, supporting the emotional well being of children, engaging children and young people in decision making in schools, involving parents in children's learning, looking at motivation in areas of the curriculum such as maths and sciences."

Since April 2005, 4,000 children and young people from 24 schools or education settings in Hastings and East Sussex have taken part in a project developed by Creative Partnerships, Hastings and East Sussex. Partnerships with over 50 creative partners from the creative and cultural sector have been established and over 40 projects started.