Raising the roof at Rokeby
Everyone at Rokeby Primary School has a lot to shout about having undertaken a number of successful improvements to the school over the last year.
Under the leadership of Headteacher Alison Stringer the past 12 months have seen, the amalgamation of Rokeby Infant and Junior Schools, the development of some inspirational outside spaces, a ‘good’ Ofsted report and the commencement of a large scale building project.
The Warwickshire County Council building project, which will see a new ICT facility and library, a new reception and nursery class, and a brand new pre-school and children’s centre base, is scheduled for completion in January 2010. Once completed, pupils will benefit greatly from the new facilities and doors will be opened to members of the community taking part in extended services activities.
Rokeby’s new outdoor areas, including a stage and an allotment, impressed a local business who presented the school with a generous award in June. ASDA donated £10, 000 to the school to be used to further develop these areas and continue to widen learning opportunities for pupils
More joy followed a recent visit by Ofsted who found that standards had improved greatly since the school’s last inspection and deemed the school to be ‘good’ in all areas of inspection.
The report commended Mrs Stringer, who has made a number of positive changes to the school since her appointment in 2007, stating: “The Headteacher has provided the drive to make this a successful school and she is well supported by senior leaders.”
The inspectors also added that: “Rokeby provides a good education for its pupils. Due to the effective leadership, the school has made good progress since its amalgamation.”
Additionally the school is amongst the first in the county to appoint a school business director who works with a cluster of schools in the Rugby area. The role, supported by the county council, assists Headteachers and school leadership teams with different aspects of school management and contributes to improving schools’ effectiveness.
Headteacher Alison Stringer said: “This has been a great year for Rokeby and we all are really proud of all we have achieved in such a short time. The whole school has worked incredibly hard together, continuing to raise standards during this period of change and throughout the building works.
“We will have even more to celebrate in January when the work is finished and the new school building is unveiled. Watch this space.”