Delighted staff and governors at Wickford's Castledon School for children with special needs have hailed a new Ofsted report as a triumph after turning its fortunes around in two years.
A report in 2002 found that it had 'serious weaknesses' but education inspectors say these have now been overcome and Castledon is a 'satisfactory' school.
The report is a triumph for departing head teacher Maggie Angele, who took over in a consultant advisory role just over a year ago. She will hand over the reins to new head Carole Clift, who is currently deputy head at Basildon's Pioneer School, after the Easter holiday.
"I've done my job now, so I can move on,"said Mrs Angele. "I have enjoyed it. At least I know that the new head is now moving in without Ofsted breathing down her neck. The school has a clear vision for the future."
The education inspectors found that the school no longer has serious weaknesses. A summary of their report said: "Teaching and learning are good for pupils with autism and satisfactory throughout the rest of the school. Achievement is satisfactory overall.
"The new leadership and management are good but some significant and recent changes introduced have not yet had time to make a significant improvement, particularly in information and communication technology (ICT)."
Published Friday April 9, 2004
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