A primary school has been graded “oustanding” by Ofsted for the first time, with inspectors heaping praise on its “inspirational headteacher”.
Amanda Jennings is credited with creating “an ambitious culture of aspiration for pupils and staff a like” at Ray Lodge Primary School, in Snakes Lane East, Woodford Green.
Ofsted workers, who carried out the inspection in June, said Ms Jennings “has developed a strong team of leaders at all levels who share her vision and goals”.
The report, released late last month, states: “The early years provision is outstanding ... as a result, they [pupils] make outstanding progress.”
Ms Jennings said: “I believe the report reflects just how passionate the whole school community is in ensuring the highest possible standards, whilst ensuring that each pupil’s potential is realised in a vibrant and exciting learning environment’.
“I am delighted that our culture of aspiration is one of the key things the inspectors found, with the skills of the teachers, support staff and governors and very close links with other professionals and families.”
She added: “We will keep improving and being a little better each day’.
Cllr Paul Canal (Con, Bridge) credited “the school and the local community” with the “transformation of Ray Lodge Primary School into a beacon of excellence”.
Cllr Canal, who is also a governor at the school, continued: “I congratulate headteacher Ms Jennings, the leadership team, and all the many teaching, non-teaching and support staff who all played a vital role in driving our school forward. This was a team effort.
The Tory leader also heaped praise on the “wonderful pupils”.
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