'˜Good' news for Emerson Valley school in Milton Keynes

The news is particularly positive as it comes just three years after the school was graded ‘inadequate – special measures’ in March 2013.

Since being appointed Headteacher in September 2015, Soheila Mathison and her staff have worked hard to turn the school around and this has been reflected in the latest Ofsted inspection visit which took place at the beginning of September 2016.

According to the report, under the Headteacher’s ‘ambitious leadership’, weak teaching has been eradicated and pupils’ progress and attitudes to learning have improved.

The impact of senior leaders’ decisions and actions can be seen in improved rates of progress and better outcomes for pupils, particularly in Years 5 and 6.

Within the highly complementary report Ofsted state that ‘pupils are keen to learn, are proud of their school and what they achieve.’ SATs results due to be published later this year show significant improvement from previous years and ‘leaders are working extremely effectively to challenge the previous culture of underachievement.’

The report highlights how ‘Teachers ensure lessons are engaging and challenging so pupils enjoy learning and want to succeed,’ this has resulted in significant improvements in the quality of work being produced by all children. Ofsted continues by saying that pupil behaviour is good and that ‘pupils feel that staff support them well and relationships across the school are very strong.

Pupils at Emerson Valley School have a wide range of opportunities to participate in arts, science and sports activities, including skiing and snowboarding, this brings learning to life and enables children to develop new skills and aspirations.

“We have fantastic children, hardworking staff, committed Governing Body, interested parents and a very supportive Local Authority, all the ingredients of a successful school,” said Soheila Mathison.

“We will use this result as a stepping stone towards our goal of becoming an Outstanding school.”

Councillor Zoe Nolan, Cabinet Member for Children and Families said: “This is fabulous news for Emerson Valley. It is so important that children receive a high quality education at a good local school. They have come so far in a short space of time and I congratulate everyone involved in this success.