Islington News: St John’s Upper Holloway Primary School | Ofsted | Pemberton Gardens

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Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 21 November 2008

High praise: Patti Dean

Outstanding’ head wins over Ofsted

ST John’s Upper Holloway Primary School has received positive feedback after its latest Ofsted inspection.
Leadership skills, good teaching, pupil behaviour, and supportive parents have all been praised.
After their visit to the Pemberton Gardens school in October, inspectors judged St John’s to be a school that is continually improving “under the outstanding leadership of the headteacher”.
Teaching in classes is “innovative” with staff creating “a vibrant and interesting learning environment” for children. The open discussions taking place in lessons and the “very good relationships between all adults and pupils” are key to the good progress that children at the school are making.
The school has a higher than average proportion of children who are learning English as a second language. Inspectors commented that “very effective procedures” ensure that these pupils are well supported by both staff and other classmates from the early stages of their education.
Pupils at St John’s are respectful of “each other’s cultural heritage and beliefs and enjoy occasions when these are celebrated.”
The good behaviour in the school was also noted, with the report describing children as “friendly and welcoming, speaking confidently to adults.”
Staff as St John’s care about their pupils’ views and they are keen to give them their say through involvement in the school council.
They are also encouraged to and enjoy taking part in the wide range of activities provided in both the Breakfast Club and after-school Buzz Club. These clubs give pupils the chance to learn about ways to live a healthy life-style and practise a number of different skills such as cooking, ballet and gymnastics.
Headteacher Patti Dean said: “I am delighted that the commitment of the children to St John’s School and the hard work and professionalism of the staff has been recognised by Ofsted.”

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