Better School Standards a Key Priority in Norfolk

4 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2014 Eastern Daily Press

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I EDP readers have given the reliability of Ofsted reports low marks. Picture: ANTONY KELLY The changing position of our counties in the GCSE league tables for England

0 Norfolk Suffolk Cambridgeshire 25th

50th

75th

100th Better school standards 150th a key priority in Norfolk 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

EDP readers have revealed their With the state of education in Norfolk firmly in the concerns about Ofsted, the academies has just gone above the national aver- know Norfolk has a lot of work to do, movement and the ability of Norfolk national spotlight, the EDP is devoting a week-long age for 16-year-olds in education and but knowing that is a huge step County Council to help improve the training. forward”. county’s schools. series to looking a the issue. Today education And while the 2013 primary school Although moves to improve Our online survey, which launches correspondent MARTIN GEORGE assesses league tables showed the county in Norfolk education were already a week-long series focusing on educa- 136th place for reading, writing and under way, it is clear that, in the tion in Norfolk, asked parents, pupils where things stand now. maths, it narrowed the gap with the words of Mr Denby, pressure from and teachers to rate different aspects national average by two percentage ministers and Ofsted has “galvanised of education on a scale of one to five, points. everyone into collective action”. with five the most positive. schools, rated three, and secondary dren are being educated at schools Colin Collis, county secretary for Last summer the county council The reliability of Ofsted reports, schools, rated 2.7. which are “not yet good enough”. teaching union NASUWT, said: “I allocated £1.5 million to support which have driven much of the past This week’s focus comes after year Speaking to MPs this month, chief think things are better than people school improvement; more trusts of year’s agenda, was given the worst in which Ofsted and ministers put inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw said: academy schools are being formed in average rating of just 1.7, and the education in the county in the harsh “We have some counties in England Norfolk; 52 of 54 Norfolk secondary ability of academies to improve glare of the national spotlight, and that are performing incredibly badly, We have some school headteachers joined the education – a solution the govern- follows last month’s news that Suffolk and Norfolk being two of counties in England restructured NSEL, and a new ment and county council favour for Norfolk plunged 20 places in the them.” Norfolk Primary Headteachers’ schools they deem failing – was given national GCSE league table, prompt- The government is also pressing that are performing Association has been formed. a score of two. ing Mid Norfolk MP George Freeman the issue, with a statutory direction incredibly badly, Ofsted inspection reports for the And the ability of Norfolk County to tweet: “Needs now to be Norfolk’s telling the county council’s autumn term showed a 4% improve- Council, which has a responsibility #No1Priority”. Children’s Services Department to Suffolk and Norfolk ment in both primary and secondary to support school improvement, to Last March, Ofsted was so worried improve. being two of them. schools in Norfolk, but leaders improve education was graded 2.1. it launched a one-week blitz of 28 There are other concerns. warned results in the classroom will Sir Michael Wilshaw, Respondents were most positive school inspections; in July it branded The National College for Teaching Ofsted chief inspector not be instant. about their own school, with an aver- the council’s support for school and Leadership has designated more Mr Denby said: “It’s a process that age rating of 3.6, but had less confi- improvement “ineffective”, and in than 900 national leaders of educa- takes time, but we must not use that dence more generally in primary December it said 20,000 Norfolk chil- tion who use their skills and experi- are being told they are. It’s not help- as an excuse. We have got to learn to ence to support struggling schools. ful to keep talking down Norfolk work smarter and bring in changes Norfolk only has three – none at education. There are hundreds of that are going to impact on the lives I Ofsted inspection secondary level. A quarter of gover- teachers in Norfolk doing a good job of these children. reports for the autumn nor places are unfilled. Teacher every day and they don’t deserve the “We have got to be doing it now for term have shown a 4% recruitment is a persistent problem. constant sniping.” all year groups, but people have got to improvement. The council has recognised But there is wide agreement within realise it will have a greater impact Picture: PA concerns, acknowledging as it the Norfolk education system that the longer it is going on.” launched its A Good School For overall standards must improve. Every Norfolk Learner strategy last For Thorpe St Andrew headteacher I What do you think about April that “children and young Ian Clayton, “no-one can be satisfied education in Norfolk? Email martin. people in Norfolk schools achieve less from a county point of view”; for [email protected] well than in other parts of England”. George Denby, chairman of the However, the picture is not Norfolk Secondary Education I What does the state of education uniformly bleak. There are highly- Leaders (NSEL) group, “we are not mean for our economy? See successful individual schools, improving fast enough”; for Nicole tomorrow’s EDP. complex needs schools and post-16 McCartney, executive principal of colleges are highly rated, and Norfolk Ormiston Venture Academy, “we all I Comment, page 26. Eastern Daily Press MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2014 5

How Ofsted ranks Norfolk Average Department for schools, as of December 31, 2013 Education funding per pupil £5,331 for 2013-14 £4,551 £4,334 £4,327 £4,241 £3,950 11% Good Outstanding 55% Inadequate 4 9% Satisfactory or requires improvement England 20% Outstanding 60% Good 18% Satisfactory or requires improvement 2% Inadequate

How county schools have gone into decline It has been a long and gradual decline. A GENUINE OFFER In 2008, Norfolk was ranked 74th in England for pupils gaining five GCSEs at C or above, including English and maths. Its position has fallen every 5 ‘A’ Rated uPVC windows year since, reaching 138th in 2013. Some Norfolk educationalists fitted for an amazing mention a sense of complacency that £1575* Norfolk schools were fine at a time incl VAT when other areas, especially the big Price includes not only ‘A’ rated glass but also the cities, were vigorously shaking up their systems. most thermally efficient window frames available Ian Clayton, one of Norfolk’s in the UK today (*restrictions may apply) longest-serving education leaders and headteacher of Thorpe St Andrew School, pointed to the effects of two government changes. He said that when local management CONSERVATORIES of schools (LMS) was introduced in 1988, their financial independence • Nothing to pay before completion, giving from the council meant there was no longer a strategic oversight of educa- total peace of mind tion in the county, while the reorgani- • Probably the most experienced fitting and sation of children’s services in the education in the capital, was rejected building staff in the area 2000s to focus on the most vulnerable by the Department for Education. children shifted attention away from When he retired as assistant director • Family business offering a no pressure quality education. of children’s services in 2012, Fred service with genuine value, for nearly a For Gordon Boyd, the county Corbett said he had faced a constant quarter of a century council’s assistant director of chil- battle to overcome the prejudices of • Top of the range products at incredible prices dren’s services, Norfolk schools national education leaders who saw retained an inappropriate dependency the county as a “backwater”. that you’ll find hard to beat on the council, despite LMS, leaving a Speaking then, he said: “I don’t legacy of missed opportunities for think it was deliberately anti-Norfolk innovation and strong leadership. but it is felt to be a relatively comfort- VISIT OUR SHOWROOM TODAY AT: CASTLE Others have talked of a historic lack able environment and some of the WINDOWS & of funding and attention from challenges aren’t appreciated.” ■ Whitehall. Norfolk may have felt neglected in Diamond Road, Norwich A Norfolk County Council request the past, but, for better or worse, it is CONSERVATORIES for a Rural Challenge, to mirror the now firmly in the government and London Challenge which improved Ofsted’s spotlight. FREEPHONE 0800 085 4437 www.castlewindowsanglia.com Tributes to teenagers after tragedies page 4

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It is the most important issue facing Martin George the future of Norfolk and Suffolk – [email protected] how to turn around education in our counties. We are challenging Mr Gove to In the past year, abysmal league show the people of our region this cri- table rankings and damning Ofsted sis is being taken seriously at the very reports have thrust our perform- highest levels of government. ance on to the national stage, Is he satisfied with education in and yet for two weeks Secretary our region? Does he have confidence of State for Education Michael in the plans to improve it? Should Gove has repeatedly refused to Norfolk County Council be stripped be questioned about what he is of its children’s services department? doing about it. Does his department give our schools Today business leaders tell enough money? us how the skills gap they battle Mr Gove, tell us your views. against every day could cost our economy and our youngsters. I Full story – pages 6-7 MAN SURVIVES 80FT PLUNGE AT NORFOLK MILL – SEE P13 6 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 Eastern Daily Press

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Continuing the week- I Principal Alex Hayes long series looking at describes plans for the new the state of education in university technical college Norfolk building to future Norfolk, education students during their tour. From left, Zach Cox, 16, Edward correspondent Remer, 14 and Josh Burgess, 13. MARTIN GEORGE Picture: DENISE BRADLEY asks why a successful education system matters for jobs, businesses and the county’s economy.

Years of an under-performing education system have held back Norfolk’s ability to seize the opportunities that are key to its economic future. That is the judgement of Mid Norfolk MP and former government life science adviser George Freeman, who said the most important challenge was to produce schools leavers with “good basic life skills: literacy, numeracy, presentation skills and a readiness to work”. There have long been fears that the skills gap has damaged employment, businesses and the wider Norfolk economy. Those concerns have grown as high-tech industries such as engineering, off-shore energy and agri- tech become more important to Norfolk’s economy, and jobs in areas like farming, which were often seen as low-skill, become increasingly high-skill. Last November. the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership launched a Skills Manifesto. The report said: “Time and again employers tell us it is a major challenge to find people now with the right skills and this is limiting the day-to-day as well as long-term potential of their business. Our challenge between employers and schools. verbally and in writing, how to work is to address these current issues and Andy Wood, chairman of New as a team, how to express ideas. We need our prepare for future skills needs.” Anglia, said: “Often employers are These sorts of things are vital to brightest children It said a lack of basic literacy and getting young people into their busi- businesses.” numeracy skills can be a barrier to ness and finding that in many He added: “I think it’s vital because getting top academic young people seeking work, young respects they are virtually having to small and medium enterprises are qualifications, yes. But people don’t always understand how start from scratch to train them in going to make up the majority of the employers work, and there needs to employment skills. That is mainly growth in our economy and these are we also need highly- be improvement in communication the ability to communicate well the organisations that are most skilled technicians. stretched in being able to provide George Freeman training and development.” Mid Norfolk MP, pictured right. A parent’s point of view He said Norfolk’s reputation for education matters because compa- tic. I think businesses in Norfolk and Alison Brown, HR and not only that youngsters don’t nies look at the skills of the local youngsters applying their skills in Suffolk are rising to the challenge. training manager at Fraser have the skills, but, where workforce when deciding where to self employment and enterprise: it is What I have seen from the further Offshore in Great Yarmouth, they do, that they are not invest, and added: “Is is damaging to striking how many of our top entre- education sector is that they are said schools were failing to recognised because young the Norfolk brand? Potentially so, if preneurs like Richard Branson were rising to the challenge. offer advice for pupils who people are not selling we don’t do something very quickly not academic.” “The headteachers don’t want to were not aiming to enter themselves particularly well.” about it.” There are signs that the county’s turn out people who are not fit for university. She called on schools to Mr Freeman said Norfolk needed education system is responding to purpose. I’m sure that we are going to Speaking as parent of four have a focus on written two things to unlock its potential: the the call for more scientific, mathe- engage headteachers of Norfolk and children aged 17 to 29, she English, how to present ‘hardware’ for prosperity, such as matical and engineering skills. Suffolk.” said: “I have seen young themselves to employers rail, road and broadband, and the Last September, the Sir Isaac people with a lot to offer who through their CV, letters of ‘software’, such as better education, Newton Sixth Form, the UK’s first I What should schools do to bridge simply cannot convey their application and interview skills and training. specialist maths and science sixth the skills gap? Email martin. skills and attributes in a form techniques and their ability to He said: “There are a range of key form, opened in Norwich, and next [email protected] that will get them noticed present themselves well in the skills. This isn’t just about academic September Norfolk’s first university because they don’t know how. work setting. qualifications and science for ‘high technical college, to educate 14-19 I To see yesterday’s first part in the “I suspect the reason many She also stressed “the tech boffins’. We need our brightest year olds to address the skills gap in series log on to www.edp24.co.uk employers are crying out importance of putting down a children getting top academic qualifi- technicians and engineers, will about the skill set of phone and being prepared to cations, yes. But we also need highly- launch. I What can Norfolk learn from a youngsters is down to the fact work”. skilled technicians. Mr Wood was hopeful about the decade that transformed education “And more of our less-academic future. He said: “I am hugely optimis- in London? See tomorrow’s EDP. Eastern Daily Press TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 7

Our 10 questions for Michael Gove economic future I 1) How seriously do you take concerns about education in Norfolk? I 2) What is your assessment Business point of view The rural issue of the current state of education in the county? I 3) What are you doing to improve education in Norfolk? I 4) Are you confident that strategies currently underway by the county council, academy trusts and others will improve education in the county? I 5) Should Norfolk County Education is the key issue that will help decide Council retain control of its the future of Norfolk’s youngsters and economy children’s services? for decades to come. I 6) Do Norfolk schools Ofsted’s chief inspector said Norfolk is receive a fair level of funding? performing “incredibly badly”, the county I 7) To what extent is the plunged 20 places in the 2013 GCSE league recent focus on Norfolk due tables and it has become a test-bed for a new to the government’s drive type of government drive for more academies. to increase the number of The stakes could not be higher, and yet academies in the county? secretary of state for education Michael Gove I 8) Should parents and local has refused repeated requests to talk to the communities have a vote on EDP to reassure the county he is aware of the issues, and tell us what he is doing about it. Mike Ottolangui, managing director For years, a whole series of issues whether their schools become Over the past fortnight, the EDP has of Milltech Precision Engineering facing education in Norfolk have been academies? I approached Mr Gove through the Department in Rackheath said there was “no grouped together under the banner of 9) What is the government for Education, Conservative Central Office, MPs question” there is a skills gap ‘rurality’. doing to address Sir Michael and ministers, but he refused to be questioned. facing Norfolk firms looking for Jon Clemo, chief executive of the Wilshaw’s concerns about So today the EDP is publicly calling on Mr skilled workers. Norfolk rural community council, education in market towns Gove to answer 10 key questions about the state Mr Ottolangui, pictured, said: said: “Norfolk has faced a historical and coastal resorts, and for of education in Norfolk, and show that the “There are a lot of small companies challenge of relatively low skills and white, working class children? I future prospects of our county are being taken around but the schools are not aspiration and therefore relatively 10) What assessment has seriously at the highest levels of government. encouraging youngsters to go into low ambition, and that is accentuated the government made of the that area and the education and in rural areas.” impact educational under- I What questions would you like to ask Mr Gove further education available is very Mr Clemo, pictured, said the skills performance in Norfolk is about education in Norfolk? Email martin.george@ poor, so it’s a self-feeding disaster. gap particularly damages youth having on the economy of archant.co.uk or tweet @EDP24 “Schools and businesses have to employment in Norfolk because there the county, and the UK as a put more effort into working are a large number of small and whole? I Gove – term time holidays are wrong, page 9. together. We have a good relation- medium sized firms which do not have ship with Sprowston High. We have the capacity to train young staff in tried to develop a relationship with skills they may lack on entry. the academy at Heartsease but they He said: “It’s very hard for a have ignored us.” business to make any other decision He said Milltech he had adopted a in interviews than to go with the “grow your own” approach to person who has many more years’ recruiting new staff, and with eight experience, rather than the young past apprentices, six at the moment, person who may have great potential and a further four to come. but would require investment.” Jeremy Briston, joint managing He said Norfolk still has a reputa- director of Redpack, a packaging tion as “the graveyard of ambition”, machine manufacturer in and it was vital to improve the Rackheath, said his business found county’s reputation, both internally it hard to recruit skilled engineers, and externally. and now has an older workforce He added: “There’s a challenge in because of the lack of younger helping young people see where they people coming into the engineering want to aim at, and setting that point profession. high enough that it pushes them.” Problems persist in Suffolk too

Education in Suffolk, like Norfolk’s experiences, in England for the number that in Norfolk, has been Suffolk County Council of pupils reaching the under scrutiny for its itself became the target of required level four standard persistent poor showing the inspectors in January in reading, writing and national league tables and when a five-day visit asked maths. 70pc met the target, vocal concerns from Ofsted. how well it supports school compared to 71pc in Norfolk Earlier this month, chief improvement. and an England average of inspector Sir Michael The council is awaiting 75pc. Wilshaw told MPs: “We have the outcome. Suffolk County Council some counties in England Suffolk and Norfolk came has said raising education that are performing incredi- 137th and 138th out of 151 standards is its “top prior- bly badly, Suffolk and authorities in England in ity”, and has launched a Norfolk being two of them.” last month’s GCSE league Raising the Bar programme. Last September, inspectors tables, but while for Norfolk The scheme’s aims include were sent in a blitz of inspec- this represented a 20 place building better relationships tions of 33 Suffolk schools, drop, for Suffolk it at least between schools, further Call us today on: similar to the 28-school oper- showed an improvement of education and businesses to ation in Norfolk earlier in five places. give pupils work skills, the year. In its report, Ofsted The situation with complete moves to a two-tier (01603) 677402 said standards in schools primary schools was less school system, and recruit were “unacceptable”. positive, with Suffolk the more school governors and e: [email protected] In another echo of joint fourth-worst authority mentors. web: www.horsfordwindows.com 6 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2014 Eastern Daily Press

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The London Challenge has transformed education in the capital over the past decade. Education correspondent MARTIN GEORGE visited one school which benefited to ask what Norfolk could take from its success

When Norfolk County Council looked for a model to improve the county’s schools, it found inspiration in the London Challenge, a government- backed programme which since 2003 has helped propel the capital to the top of the national league tables. It is using the London Leadership Strategy, the improvement arm of the Challenge, to help deliver parts of its strategy, and other ideas for collaboration and challenge are drawn from the capital. One school which benefited was Southfields Community College in Wandsworth, which became Southfields Academy in 2012. Although it was graded “good” by

We were not being hit over the head with a hammer – the support I Students at Southfields Academy, Wandsworth, part of the London Challenge for schools. Picture: DANIEL HAMBURY was there Jacqueline Valin, principal of leaders were doing, and challenge Southfields Academy them. Challenge helped to transform education in the capital “We were not frightened by being challenged. There was no fear with In 1997, only 16% of London we possibly do better because on creating system leaders, so Ofsted, London Challenge knocked the challenge. We were not being hit students gained five GCSEs at of the level of deprivation?’. schools could offer each other on principal Jacqueline Valin’s door over the head with a hammer – the grade C or above. Now London “You have probably got some help such as coaching or in 2003 to say its results were not support was there,” she said. boroughs make up half of the of that in Norfolk. If they have one-to-one support. good enough. Then, 11pc of pupils His first question was why no-one 20 highest performing local all got 70% on free school The belief that the success of achieved five GCSEs at A*-C, includ- was responsible for standards, and on authorities in England. meals, and a school down the an education system cannot ing English and maths. Now, the his advice a deputy head for stand- The London Challenge has road has got twice the literacy, exceed the quality of its figure is 63pc. ards was put in place, which Mrs been credited with transform- that knocks that argument teachers led to the creation of Year 12 health and social care Valin described as “the key appointing education in the capital, away.” training programmes to lift student Ebyan Ahmed said when she ment”. A deputy head for teaching and is a key inspiration for He said the London Challenge teachers from satisfactory to was at primary school no-one wanted and learning soon followed. Norfolk County Council’s own had four arms: the London good, and good to excellent. to go to Southfields. Now everyone The focus was on improving strategies to support school school, the London leader, the To improve morale and does. accountability at the top and cascad- improvement. self-esteem, a Chartered She said: “From year seven to now ing it down the structure. Mr Woods For David Woods, a former London Teacher status was they have been pushing you to your made governors more aware of how history teacher and senior I David Woods, created, something Mr Woods extreme limits to get your grades. We to hold school leaders to account, and teacher training lecturer who the chief education said Norfolk could consider. have been trained since year seven later became chief education advisor who has The Challenge also created a for the outside world.” advisor for London, “depriva- overseen the 10-point London Pupil Pledge, Like Norfolk, Southfields had a I Health and social tion is not destiny”. “For us it London Challenge. setting out what opportunities number of factors it could have used care student Ebyan was a moral purpose, which the city would give all second- to excuse low standards: half its Ahmed said was these children can do it, ary school students by the time pupils speak English as an additional Southfields had and they are being let down by they are 16, and awards and language, 60-70pc have some sort of improved greatly. the system,” he said. London teacher, and the celebrations for pupils. special educational need, and 35pc The strategy emphasised London student. Schools that Mr Woods said differences are entitled to free school meals. challenge, collaboration, needed to improve were called with London during the But when Ms Valin talks about the positivity and not accepting ‘keys to success’, and given a Challenge and Norfolk now, London Challenge, two themes reoc- ask what they were working on. Mrs excuses for poor attainment. challenge advisor and bespoke such as greater distances cur: no excuses are accepted, and Valin said: “The challenge that came Mr Woods said: “Every school support, and Mr Woods said the between schools and the growth schools must be receptive to being from David is now innate in what we in London was put in a family programme’s “hard edge” came of academies that owe some challenged. do, and he gave us the confidence to simply based on prior attain- from academisation if schools loyalty to the chain they belong She said the main support was not challenge ourselves.” ment and deprivation. It did not turn themselves around to, meant the county would financial, but came in the form of The London Challenge also put her knocked away the excuses we within two years. have to find its own way of advisor David Woods. He would come in touch with other London had in those days that ‘How can He said the challenge focused adapting lessons. in one or two days each half term to headteachers from whom she could talk through what she and senior not only learn from, but also be chal- Eastern Daily Press WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2014 7

‘Heads have to be really open and not frightened to change’

When Ofsted held a closed meeting with parents as part of its 2001 inspection of Southfields Community College, one mum stood up and complained vocally about her experiences. Anita Neale told the inspectors her son Luke was unhappy and doing work he had done in year five, the school took 10 days to tell her he had played truant, and it was all but impossible to contact the school. Headteacher Jacqueline Valin invited her to join I Jacqueline Valin, principal (left), with Anita Neale, chair of the board of governors, governors, at Southfields Academy, Picture: DANIEL HAMBURY which she now chairs. Ms Neale said: “It had a said a key part of the be and London Challenge terrible reputation in the London Challenge was an allowed them to find their local area. It was every- attitude that school way to get there. It was thing – results and leaders are not frightened supporting them in their behaviour.” of outsiders coming in decisions,” she said. She said the parents and challenging them. Asked what Norfolk now want their children “You have got to have could learn from the to come to the school, and the leaders who have good challenge, she added: it has a very good reputa- foresight. They have got “Your heads have to be tion, especially for special to have aspirations. They really open, and not educational needs. She know where they want to frightened to change.”

YOUR LOCAL CALL FOR SPECIAL OFFERS ON WINDOWS, DOORS, CONSERVATORIES, FASCIAS, SOFFITS AND GUTTERING I A student receiving help from his teacher at Southfields Glazed Academy. Right, principal Jacqueline Doors Valin, who has overseen the from transformation of the school in £450 recent years. including Pictures: DANIEL Energy Saving windows HAMBURY VAT - fitted good rates apply supply only also available lenged and supported. It to challenge and improve and make sure they are given BUY 2 made London school leaders other schools. Norfolk the training and support to FOR A part of a club, and she said County Council’s own two- challenge and support each was proud to be a London year Norfolk to Good to Great other.” GET 1 FREE QUOTE teacher. strategy aims to replicate She reiterated the ‘no When Ofsted reviewed the this sense of community and excuses’ rule, and has simple FREE & NO OBLIGATION London Challenge in 2010, it school-to-school support in advice for any Norfolk Tel: 01760 724002 found a feeling of responsi- an effort to have a system teacher who “whinges” about ON VERTICAL bility among school staff for that will keep improving the challenges of being in a Fax: 01760 724400 all London children, not just itself when the programme rural area or a coastal town: BLINDS those at their own school. itself ends. work elsewhere. (OTHER BLINDS AVAILABLE) That continues, and every Asked what Norfolk could half term conferences allow learn, Ms Valin said: “You I What lessons should schools to showcase what could take what London Norfolk learn from they do, listen to others, and Leadership did by sharing elsewhere? Email martin. Old Train Shed, make links. good practice. It’s not about [email protected] Ms Valin is now a recog- competition but collabora- Station Yard (Behind Busseys) nised national leader of tion. As soon as you collabo- I What are the main issues education, and says she has a rate, every school moves up. facing education in Norfolk, Swaffham, PE37 7HP “tremendous moral purpose” “They have got to find this and what is being done about to use what she has learned core team of local leaders them? See tomorrow’s EDP. S-W-Plastics www.sw-plastics.co.uk 6 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014 Eastern Daily Press

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Inside your EDP every week... How is Norfolk confronting In the fourth part of a Thursday week-long series, MARTIN GEORGE outlines some of the major issues facing the Jobs education system in Looking for Norfolk and what is being done to tackle a new job? them.

Teacher recruitment and training Teacher recruitment has been seen as a persistent problem, with the number of positions advertised but not filled ranging from 93 in spring 2009, to 27 last autumn. Colin Collis, of teaching union the NASUWT, said many teachers were leaving the profession because of burnout, unreasonable workloads, Friday and pressure passed down by senior staff. Ian Clayton, of Thorpe St Andrew School, said his school could attract Homes applications, but sometimes struggled with quality, and said the county’s reputation made teacher recruit- Looking for a ment harder. The Teach First programme, new home to which recruits top graduates to teach in deprived areas which often strug- buy or rent? gle to recruit and retain teachers, will come to Norfolk in September. A Teach First spokesman said 50 Norfolk primary and six secondary schools may be eligible. However, Mr Collis raised concerns about the increase in school-based rather than university- based training. He said: “The quality of what ments to attainment in West ness and university through trips homes 24.co.uk happens in terms of training is not The quality of what Norfolk.” and visitors. In paper, online, on mobile just what happens in the classroom, happens in terms of Gordon Boyd, of Norfolk County but giving them the opportunity to Council, said he “did not disagree” look at the theory behind how people training is not just what Aspirations there is a lack of aspiration, but said learn. It gives you a broad overview happens in the Caister High headteacher that if Venture Academy in of education and what education George Denby said rais- Gorleston can overcome it, why can’t Saturday means.” classroom, but giving ing aspirations is “on the everyone? them the opportunity tip of everyone’s tongue in schools”. Co-operation and partnerships to look at the theory Last year’s Norfolk Governors Motors A key part of the London behind how people Strategic Needs Report, published by Governors have a key role Challenge, which helped learn the Norfolk Community Foundation, in schools, managing transform education in cited research that “many youngsters finances, appointing Colin Collis, of the NASUWT that city, was building in Norfolk have limited vision and staff and monitoring Looking for partnerships not just may have already eliminated high- performance. Their between schools, but also other areas, a teachers’ conference in level success from their range of performance is increasingly other agencies such as borough coun- a new car? King’s Lynn to provide high-quality possibilities”. important when Ofsted rates a cils, businesses and universities. speakers on their doorstep, master However, it also said the Joseph school. Within Norfolk, the West Norfolk classes in areas like literacy and Rowntree Foundation found poorer Nationally, there is a 10pc vacancy Partnership launched an innovative curriculum shaping, and an aspiring children and parents often have high rate; in Norfolk, the figure is one in Attainment Project, bringing leaders’ programme which 35 teach- aspirations, but “the real difficulty four – 1,000 positions – with a particu- together the borough and county ers have joined. for many children was in knowing lar problem in the west. councils, the College of West Anglia, Nick Daubney, chairman of the how to fulfil their ambitions”. The role is unpaid, and Colin Collis and the area’s primary and second- West Norfolk Partnership, said: “Our Ian Clayton said when he was at of the NASUWT said governors now ary schools. schools and college have embraced the former Oriel High in Gorleston, have “far too much responsibility for The project has shared perform- the project and although we are still pupils would refuse to cross the river what are mainly lay people. ance data for all west Norfolk schools in the early stages, their hard work is to do work experience in Great Expectations are too much for an to explore key trends, highlight delivering demonstrable improve- Yarmouth because it was too far. unpaid lay office”. strengths and find common ments in the classroom. We know Now its successor school, The council has launched a priorities. that there is still a way to go, but with Ormiston Venture Academy, is recruitment drive with a govern- So far, its work has included teach- continued collective commitment, I praised for its work to raise pupils’ ment-funded charity School ers visiting outstanding schools in think we can make lasting improve- awareness of the wider world, busi- Governors’ One Stop Shop, which Eastern Daily Press THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014 7

We asked some of the leading figures in the key education challenges? world of Norfolk education to tell us what makes a good

I Youngsters school. Here, South learning through play at a nursery. West Norfolk MP and education minister ELIZABETH TRUSS gives her view. According to Norfolk County Council, in 2013, 45pc of Norfolk children achieved a “good level of devel- think you can often tell a good opment” aged five, compared to a school when you walk through national average of 52pc, but it said the door – there is a sense of data up to October 2013 predicted a I purpose, an enthusiasm, every- local rise to 51pc. one knows why they are there. For Gordon Boyd, early years is “a It’s great to see schools where try- real focus of Children’s Services”, ing hard and a positive attitude are and the council has a role in chal- rewarded. Rather than being “too lenging nurseries. cool for school”, students see that He said: “What we really need is it’s cool to enjoy studying. For exam- not for child minders to run off ple, at Nicholas Hamond Academy, scared and say ‘I’m not going to do Maths Star Students are celebrated this any more’, but to say ‘I’m up for in each year group. Of course the headteacher and the challenge and will do better’. teaching team set the tone. Critical Those who are not up for the chal- to this is a belief that all children lenge maybe should not be doing it.” can achieve and no-one should be written off. Schools need to make sure every Academies and free schools child has a solid grounding in core The rise of the academy subjects like English, maths, sci- and free school move- ences, languages and humanities. ment has been the most In particular we know that students controversial develop- who achieve good maths qualifica- I Colin Collis, of the NASUWT. ment in Norfolk tions and study maths for longer are education. likely to earn significantly more during their careers and are much less For supporters, freedoms over likely to be unemployed. curriculum and staffing allow inno- But that is not enough. Children vation and strong leadership; for also have to be able to speak clearly, opponents, academies fragment the work with each other, develop confi- system and reduce accountability. dence and character. They of course The majority of Norfolk secondary do this studying core subjects. And schools are now academies, but the we also want to see more schools figure for primary schools is far following the example of Great below the national average. Yarmouth Primary Academy and The government expects any Shouldham VC Primary in offering school put into special measures to extended days and after-school clubs become an academy, a policy with activities including catch-up aims to attract candidates with busi- ing to others areas with similar Norfolk County Council is study, horse-riding and debating. ness and management skills. demographics, economies and rural- pursuing. Apart from being fun and helping The council said the campaign ity. He added that although London Over the past year there has been parents, a wide range of activities attracted about 60 expressions of schools have significantly higher per- a growth in smaller, Norfolk-based helps develop the whole child. interest in its first few weeks. pupil funding than Norfolk, much of academy chains. Schools can also work with busi- this reflected the need to pay higher There is also an emerging trend nesses and universities to expose students to the opportunities out salaries in the capital. for local church schools, whatever I Thorpe St Andrew School principal there, helping to motivate them in Funding He said the biggest issue for their Ofsted rating, to join diocesan Ian Clayton. their studies. On average, Norfolk Norfolk was not the level of funding, academy groups. schools receive almost but the distribution of funding, While some Norfolk academies £1,000 less per pupil than which is skewed by the large number have gained outstanding Ofsted London schools, with of small schools, which receive reports and strong exam results, I Nick Daubney, some inner-city significantly more money per others have been branded inade- chairman of the boroughs receiving far pupil than larger schools. quate by Ofsted or received warn- West Norfolk more. But while the recently- ing letters from ministers. Partnership. formed Norfolk Primary Academies are here to stay, but Headteachers’ Association said Early years even their supporters agree that the figures were “shocking”, The skills and simply changing a school’s status is some headteachers said that training that not, on its own, sufficient to guar- while they could put any extra children have antee a transformation. money to good use, resources before they were not a key issue for them. enter primary I What is the biggest challenge in Gordon Boyd, pictured school is a grow- Norfolk education? Email martin. right, of Norfolk ing priority for [email protected] County Council, the government said that while and Ofsted, I See our website later today for a “Norfolk has not which last podcast discussion of education in done brilliantly, month tight- Norfolk. it really has ened its not done inspection I Celebrating success – what can we badly”, and regime for learn from some of the county’s had a similar early years bright spots? See tomorrow’s level of fund- settings. edition of the EDP. 12 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014 Eastern Daily Press

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Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 1RE Switchboard 01603 628311 How school is creating Norwich Newsdesk 07501 481521 Editor Nigel Pickover Managing editor Tim Williams Pupils’ views The reputation of Assistant editor David Powles Head of news Ian Clarke education in Norfolk Head of sport Chris Lakey Pupils at Ormiston Venture Business editor Shaun Lowthorpe Letters editor Pete Kelley Academy talk about how taken a battering over Fashion editor Emma Harrowing their school has changed, and Agricultural editor Michael Pollitt what makes a good school. the past year, but there Features editor Trevor Heaton Feature writer Stacia Briggs are still many bright Picture editor Steve Adams Alana Taylor, in year 11, Political editor Annabelle Dickson said: “We have definitely got spots. Education Crime Peter Walsh Health Adam Gretton more aspiration here. When Education Martin George we came in year seven we correspondent Tourism Stephen Pullinger were scared about

Public Affairs Dan Grimmer our GCSEs but now MARTIN GEORGE Graphic journalist Annette Hudson What’s On Simon Parkin we know that we reports. Editorial fax 01603 623872 have so much help E-MAIL and support that To contact any of our staff reporters or we will do the correspondents use this style: Last June, Ofsted chief inspector Sir [email protected] best we can. The Michael Wilshaw said the problem of

Newsdesk [email protected] teachers listen to poor children being left behind had Letters [email protected] how we learn best shifted from the big cities to suburbs, ADVERTISING and it’s put into Manager Diana Sims market towns and coastal resorts. Advertising 01603 772576 action.” In many ways, Aylsham could be a

Classified 01603 660101 typical market town, but its high Leaflets 01603 772130 Victoria Hall, in year 11, said: Photo sales 01603 772449 school is rated “outstanding”, and in www.edp24.co.uk/buyaphoto “Before it was loud and hard last month’s GCSE league table 72pc Postal subscriptions 01603 772738 to focus on your work, of pupils achieved the government’s Advertising fax 01603 623225 but now there’s Email [email protected] gold standard, far outstripping both much more actual the Norfolk and England averages. ARCHANT EAST punishment Managing director Miller Hogg For headteacher Duncan Spalding, Finance director Luke Stone if anything the culture that leaders, middle lead- actually happens. ers and governors establish is BECCLES 01502 712060 Everybody does 20 Blyburgate, Beccles NR34 9TB central. Community editor David Lennard want to work now, He said: “The culture you create in and they want to a school is essential to how that CROMER 01263 512732 get their GCSEs. 31 Church Street, Cromer NR27 9ES school operates. We have tried to Community editor Richard Batson There’s no-one establish a culture where you insist messing about in class.” DEREHAM 01362 854701 on high standards of behaviour and Bond House, High St, Dereham NR19 1DZ conduct. We do insist that youngsters Community editor Chris Hill Kevin Benny, in year 11, said: work hard, but it is based on a belief “Being clever is cooler DISS 01379 651153 that everyone can achieve.” 26 Mere Street, Diss IP22 4AD now. People look up I Ormiston Venture Academy principal Nicole McCartney with some of the Community editor Rebecca Gough to you and they try pupils at the school. Picture: JAMES BASS FAKENHAM 01328 862678 to help. The kids We have tried to 22 Norwich Street, Fakenham NR21 9AE who are quite Senior reporter Adam Lazzari clever help people Academy raising aspirations establish a culture GREAT YARMOUTH 01493 847954 who are not so. where you insist on 169 King Street, Yarmouth NR30 2PA Especially in

Community editor Anne Edwards year 11 we have of pupils and teachers alike high standards of KING’S LYNN 01553 778680 a lot of work to behaviour and conduct St Ann’s House, St Ann’s Street, do and you have the King’s Lynn PE30 1LT As Oriel High School in Gorleston, they need for what they want to do Duncan Spalding, Community editor Chris Bishop raise achievement room it struggled through special meas- as their next step”, she said. headteacher at Aylsham High where we do our homework ures, a financial crisis and five She said no child is targeted for LONDON 020 7219 3384 and we help each other a lot.” Press Gallery, House of Commons, London headteachers in six years. anything lower than a C for He also cited the importance of the SW1A 0AA Now, as Ormiston Venture anything, and if they can achieve a headteacher being as visible as possi-

Political editor Annabelle Dickson Tyler Munro, in year Academy, it is rated “outstand- C it is time to move on to the B. ble throughout the school, and the LOWESTOFT 01502 525835 seven, said: “I think ing” by Ofsted and has seen the And the drive to improve remains: school dealing with issues in a calm 147 London Road Nth, Lowestoft NR32 1NB it’s absolutely proportion of children achiev- “What we said to staff at the start of and measured way, which teachers Community editor Max Bennett amazing. It’s ing five GCSEs at C or above, this academic year was ‘outstand- would then see reflected back at them MARCH 01354 652621 completely including English and maths, ing’ is the starting point. We are not by pupils. Audmoor House, 93 High Street, March fantastic. There’s rise from 36pc in 2010 to 58pc done. We are not done until 100pc of The need to raise aspirations has PE15 9LH nothing I would Community editor John Elworthy last year. students achieve five GCSEs, includ- often been raised as a key challenge change. It’s not The school became an acad- ing maths and English. Outstanding for Norfolk schools, and Mr Spalding SWAFFHAM 01362 854703 just boring lessons. Senior reporter Kate Scotter emy in September 2010 under is a jumping-off point.” said student leadership was a key It’s exciting. They new principal Nicole McCartney. vehicle to achieve this. THETFORD 07584 503055 want to teach you and She said one of her first jobs was I Academies, aspiration and Older Aylsham High pupils run a Senior reporter Andrew Fitchett that makes it fun.” to put proper data tracking systems accountability were on the agenda Friendly Faces group which brings a Twit ter: twitter.com/edp24 in place, and data remains “crucial” when Dick Palmer, chief executive roadshow to primary schools to reas-

Facebook: facebook.com/edp24 Cameron Hodds, in year for the school. She said: “It’s impor- officer of the Transforming sure future pupils, and allows chil- SHORT MESSAGE SERVICE (SMS): For full seven, said: “My dad tant to measure the impact of Education in Norfolk (TEN) Group, dren to talk through any problems, competition terms, privacy policy and opt out went to Oriel and everything you do. When you and Rob Anthony, associate from bullying or homework to issues visit www.edp24.co.uk/terms. By responding to he said he would go to schools that are not headteacher of the Hewett School in at home. The young chamber organ- promotions, offers and competitions you agree have preferred to that the EDP and other Archant companies may doing well, it’s because they Norwich, sat down with education ises business breakfasts and helps contact you by email, post or SMS with offers go to Ormiston are not looking at the impact correspondent Martin George and local firms. that may be of interest. You will not be charged because it’s so of the work they are doing.” digital editor David Powles at The viability of small rural schools for receiving these messages. You may opt much better. out anytime by texting STOP to the originating Ms McCartney said raising Archant’s head office. To listen to is an ongoing concern, and Aylsham number. Material accepted for publication in the All the lessons aspirations, of pupils and the podcast go to www.edp24.co.uk High has joined eight local primary EDP may also be published on the internet. The here are different. teachers, was another key task. schools to form the Aylsham Cluster EDP is fully committed to the Press Complaints In a lesson you Commission’s Code of Practice. If you have a She said there was a culture of I What do you think about Trust, allowing individual schools to complaint which cannot be resolved by the learn about the some blaming pupils when she arrived, education in the region? Write to: develop specialisms which all can editor, write to the Press Complaints Commission, topic but you learn about it Halton House, 22-23 Holborn, London EC1N 2JD but now “there is no can’t, won’t or The Letters Editor, EDP, Prospect learn from, and increase capacity completely differently in each don’t”. House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 across the cluster. lesson.” “Our job is to make sure students 1RE or email EDPLetters@archant. And this year, the trust has formed www.EDP24.co.uk leave with whatever qualifications co.uk triads of headteachers who visit each Eastern Daily Press FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014 13

Listening to learners is key, says principal

All of Norfolk’s further clear line of sight focused on culture to succeed education colleges are rated vocational education and its “good” by Ofsted, with some, various routes.” like Great Yarmouth, seeing She added: “Listen to your rapid improvement in recent learners. The people who are years despite a surrounding sitting there know if they are area with significant learning. deprivation. “I think that is something For Great Yarmouth we do very well in further principal Penny education.” Wycherley, pictured, She highlighted careers the key lessons guidance as a key area from the sector are for improvement in the importance schools, and said: “The of listening to schools should be learners and having working with colleges a “clear line of and employers to do it. sight” to what they At the moment, most of want to achieve. the careers guidance She said: “The happens in thing that schools underpins and their it all is the experience is aspiration necessarily to support. going to be We have a limited.”

Special needs schools set shining example

While overall standards at success, according to Karin Norfolk’s mainstream schools Heap, headteacher of Chapel have provoked concern, the Road School in Attleborough, county’s complex needs schools and in November nine of them have been held up as a good formed a co-operative trust to example. formalise their relationship. Six of the 11 schools have Mrs Heap said: “Because it’s a Ofsted’s top “outstanding” small group of 11 schools we rating, while three are “good”. work really closely together. None are in the bottom We have a relationship of trust “inadequate” category. so if we are in a difficulty we Co-operation between the are there to help each other out I A lesson in progress at Aylsham High School. Picture: ANTONY KELLY schools has been the key to all the time, even with staff.” Aylsham High: What the pupils think about the school

We asked pupils what they like school is a sense of community It’s helped me because I was about Aylsham High, and what and trust between teachers a bit nervous when I first Hop into Spring makes a good school. and students and having trust came up and did not have any between students, which is friends up here. “The Eagles Coach Holidays Finn Morgan, what the Friendly Faces help is a place where you can make 14--16 Mar The Good Old Days £199 Friendly Faces with.” friends and after a while, if 14-16 Mar Liverpool & The Crosby Statues £189 captain, said: you feel ready, you can do to 17-21 Mar ‘Spring’ into the Beautiful Yorkshire Dales £289 21-24 Mar Beamish, Durham & Historic York £315 “Having good Elizabeth mainstream.” 24-28 Mar Pitlochry, Scotland £259 relationships Cooper, head 24-28 Mar Heart of England £349 between girl, said: Liam Blatch said: 28-30 Mar Mother’s Day Weekend in Lincolnshire £219 7-11 Apr Lake Windermere, Skipton & Lancashire Hills £289 everyone and “One of “Communication 11-14 Apr Cardiff Flower Show £299 not having the most between 12-17 Apr Cruising the Ijsselmeer, Holland £799 really cliquey important students and 17-20 Apr Easter in Kortrijk, Belgium £409 teachers is 17-20 Apr Easter in Shanklin & the Isle of Wight £329 groups who things is the 18-21 Apr Easter in the Wye Valley, Dean Forest & Cardiff Bay £289 don’t interact with atmosphere. important, 21-25 Apr Catherine Cookson & Newcastle £369 each other. Friendly Faces is “In lessons and 21-25 Apr Peaks, Pints, Trams & Tarts £379 somewhere where anyone can there’s the teachers 1-5 May Romantic Journeys of Yorkshire £359 4-5 May Legoland Windsor Weekend £119 go and it’s a place where you atmosphere that you being able 4-8 May Guernsey by Air £559 can say if there’s something want to do well. At our school, to help if 4-8 May Jersey by Air £475 bothering you - bullying, there’s an atmosphere of something is 5-9 May Cheltenham, Cider Country & the Cotswolds £415 5-9 May Shanklin & the Isle of Wight £419 problems at home, wanting to learn and needed, rather 9-12 May Mystery 4 day Weekend £249 homework. do better and get than forgetting. 11-16 May Scarborough, Yorkshire Coast & Country £459 We give you good results, and “Co-operation 11-16 May Isle of Arran, Loch Lomond & Ayrshire Coast £529 12-16 May Eastbourne, Sussex Coast £419 confidential that’s really between year groups is 15-19 May Hampton Court, Vales of Pewsey £379 advice and important.” really important because 15-21 May Nantes Flower Festival & Loire Valley £829 support.” younger people need older 16-19 May Horse Boat & Steam Train £355 18-22 May Edinburgh & The Panda Experience £395 Orla Shaw year groups who can give Ben Howes, said: “The you advice. Many holidays include our FREE door-to-door collection service head boy, said: Eagles group “The community between (within our designated area) “I think the is the place if different years helps you NEW! 2014 Disneyland Paris dates available now key to a good you are dyslexic. learn.” 25 May, 22 Jun, 24 Aug, 21 Sep, 26 Oct, 6 Nov, 27 Nov

Many more departures in our current brochures, others’ schools to learn from and there are things that we can do very supportive governing body challenge each other. because we have capacity as a larger which challenges us very well. I call for your FREE copy Mr Spalding said: “I think it’s organisation.” think you have to be constantly OUT really important that secondaries For Mr Spalding, schools must not asking yourself the question ‘Are we AT CHENERYLIVE, NOW recognise how important it is to work be complacent, however good their doing the right thing by our 3 CASTLE MEADOW, with their primary schools. It’s abso- results. youngsters?’. NORWICH, NR1 3PY lutely crucial. They are our future He said: “It’s a constant process. “Only by doing that and having learners, and our colleagues in the You have to constantly be asking ambition can you avoid the situation Tel. 01603 630676 cluster are doing a fabulous job, but questions. I’m very lucky we have a where you think you are doing OK.” www.travel-galloway.com 12 SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 2014 Eastern Daily Press

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Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 1RE If our schools work together, Switchboard 01603 628311 Norwich Newsdesk 07501 481521 Editor Nigel Pickover Managing editor Tim Williams Throughout the week, Assistant editor David Powles Head of news Ian Clarke we have been Head of sport Chris Lakey Business editor Shaun Lowthorpe Letters editor Pete Kelley examining the state of Fashion editor Emma Harrowing Agricultural editor Michael Pollitt education in Norfolk. Features editor Trevor Heaton Feature writer Stacia Briggs Education Picture editor Steve Adams Political editor Annabelle Dickson correspondent Crime Peter Walsh Health Adam Gretton Education Martin George MARTIN GEORGE Tourism Stephen Pullinger Public Affairs Dan Grimmer considers what we have Graphic journalist Annette Hudson What’s On Simon Parkin learned and what needs Editorial fax 01603 623872 E-MAIL to happen next. To contact any of our staff reporters or correspondents use this style: [email protected] Writing about the state of education

Newsdesk [email protected] in Norfolk this week has been both a Letters [email protected] sobering and an inspiring ADVERTISING Manager Diana Sims experience. Advertising 01603 772576 Sobering because of the scale of

Classified 01603 660101 the challenges facing the county, its Leaflets 01603 772130 Photo sales 01603 772449 poor overall position nationally and www.edp24.co.uk/buyaphoto the slew of negative judgments Postal subscriptions 01603 772738 Ofsted has made about individual Advertising fax 01603 623225 Email [email protected] schools. Inspiring because of some ARCHANT EAST excellent work taking place in differ- Managing director Miller Hogg ent areas of the county and different Finance director Luke Stone sectors of the system, and the confidence and eloquence of all the pupils BECCLES 01502 712060 20 Blyburgate, Beccles NR34 9TB I spoke to. Community editor David Lennard People cited a number of reasons CROMER 01263 512732 for the position that Norfolk finds 31 Church Street, Cromer NR27 9ES itself in, all of them familiar and well Community editor Richard Batson rehearsed: low aspirations, under- DEREHAM 01362 854701 funding, rurality, pockets of urban Bond House, High St, Dereham NR19 1DZ deprivation, complacency. Community editor Chris Hill Norfolk is not alone in facing chal- DISS 01379 651153 lenges, and the fact that other educa- 26 Mere Street, Diss IP22 4AD tion systems with other major obsta-

Community editor Rebecca Gough cles, most notably London, have FAKENHAM 01328 862678 transformed their performance

22 Norwich Street, Fakenham NR21 9AE shows that Norfolk too can do it. Senior reporter Adam Lazzari When I visited Southfields GREAT YARMOUTH 01493 847954 Academy in Wandsworth to see how 169 King Street, Yarmouth NR30 2PA Community editor Anne Edwards they benefited from the London Challenge, one thing above all struck

KING’S LYNN 01553 778680 me: they would not accept any St Ann’s House, St Ann’s Street, King’s Lynn PE30 1LT excuses for poor performance. Community editor Chris Bishop Yes, they have real difficulties, but LONDON 020 7219 3384 through detailed work with similar schools who nevertheless performed Press Gallery, House of Commons, London I SW1A 0AA St Martin at Shouldham Primary School last year celebrated getting an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted report – headteacher Marika better, they did much to overcome Picture: Political editor Annabelle Dickson Mears (centre) with happy pupils. MATTHEW USHER them. LOWESTOFT 01502 525835 For too long there has been a sense 147 London Road Nth, Lowestoft NR32 1NB of resignation in some parts of Community editor Max Bennett Everyone must share the same high aspirations Norfolk, but, in the words of David MARCH 01354 652621 Woods, former chief education advi- Audmoor House, 93 High Street, March and as part of the local PE15 9LH We asked some In the curriculum, literacy sor for London, “deprivation is not Community editor John Elworthy of the leading and numeracy are the basic community. destiny”. figures in the essentials and a good school Everyone must share the London education may have SWAFFHAM 01362 854703 Senior reporter Kate Scotter world of provides additional support for same high aspirations – “Be the received much higher funding than Norfolk educa- children who are not making best you can be” – while available here; even so, the whole THETFORD 07584 503055 Senior reporter Andrew Fitchett tion to tell us expected progress. enabling others to do so too. Norfolk education system must fully what makes a For example, we use Catch Up Getting on with others and embrace the ‘no excuses’ mantra. Twit ter: twitter.com/edp24 good school. to ensure that each child is able caring about others are There is no doubt the last year has

Facebook: facebook.com/edp24 Here, MARIKA to do as well as they possibly important in being able to been traumatic for education in SHORT MESSAGE SERVICE (SMS): For full MEARS, can. learn well in school. Norfolk, with sustained criticism competition terms, privacy policy and opt out headteacher of St Martin at The curriculum is more than Everyone shares expected from Ofsted and the government. visit www.edp24.co.uk/terms. By responding to promotions, offers and competitions you agree Shouldham CEVA Primary just literacy and numeracy, and standards of behaviour with a It was painful, demoralising, and that the EDP and other Archant companies may School, which was rated a good school also ensures each commitment to learning and an sometimes deliberately provocative. contact you by email, post or SMS with offers “outstanding” last year, gives child gets the opportunity to enjoyment in coming to school. But in future years, it may be seen as that may be of interest. You will not be charged for receiving these messages. You may opt her view: enjoy all the other subjects. As a church school, I believe the shock the system needed to turn out anytime by texting STOP to the originating We use a mixed, project that this is strengthened by a things around. number. Material accepted for publication in the Any school must be there for approach and the children’s shared Christian ethos and Talking to people across the educa- EDP may also be published on the internet. The EDP is fully committed to the Press Complaints the children – that is what learning is also actively applied faith which contribute to the tion system, from headteachers to Commission’s Code of Practice. If you have a schools exist for – and the in real life situations, and ultimate aim of creating a academy chains to Norfolk County complaint which cannot be resolved by the quality and commitment of all through visitors and visits. school community of children Council, there is now a real sense of editor, write to the Press Complaints Commission, and adults – parents and staff Halton House, 22-23 Holborn, London EC1N 2JD staff – teachers, teaching A good school also values the urgency that action must be taken assistants and support staff – importance of every child and – who are constantly challeng- now to change things. They are right. make a school good. their family, both in the school ing themselves to do better. It was encouraging to see there is www.EDP24.co.uk now detailed, practical work under Eastern Daily Press SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 2014 13

What we have learned

Ten things we learned this week: they can improve together I Our readers are happier with the state of primary schools than secondary Education in Norfolk survey schools in Norfolk. I What is the best What is the The future of small schools thing about We asked people to rate these questions on a scale of one to five, with five the most positive biggest problem in Norfolk is going to be put facing education under the spotlight again. education in How would you rate Respondents: I Norfolk? in Norfolk? Ofsted and the county education at your school? 3.1 council will be demanding higher standards from The friendliness of the Underfunding, lack of nursery schools. I “staff and theirthere ability to 57% “confidence,gov ernment Collaboration between try and deliver what is bias towards academy and schools was an important asked of them How would you rate free schools. Norfolk part of London’s County Council has been transformation. a parent primary school 3.4 Parent I education in Norfolk? complacent for too many Business leaders fear Dedicated years Norfolk’s poor reputation “educationalists, teachers, ex-governor for education could damage investment in the county. governors and other I people who support How would you rate Lack of inspiration and self More Norfolk schools 24% are set to join the growing rather than knock secondary school 2.2 “confidence in pupils and also lack of inspirational number of Norfolk academy a parent education in Norfolk? chains. teachers I A refusal to accept any Teacher a parent The students are excuses for poor performance “generally well-behaved How would you rate was an important part of and parents are Norfolk County Council’s Poor school leadership improving schools in the supportive ability to improve 2.9 “which is obsessed with capital. a teacher % league tables rather than I Top graduates training education? 6 focusing on the best Some genuine examples to be teachers could be sent interests of pupils of outstanding teachers. I to 50 Norfolk schools in “ How would you rate a parent have had the privilege to Governer deprived areas to improve academy schools’ ability recruitment and retention. have worked with a range to improve education Small schools with teachers I Businesses are frustrated of amazing, committed 2.2 that have limited teaching by the number of children and passionate teachers. in Norfolk? “ experience if they have been leaving Norfolk schools Sadly many are there a very long time. The without key employment completely demoralised, 13% attitude of 'this is how it's skills. feel unwanted and I How would you rate always been done' can be The quality of careers unable to do their jobs the quality of very detrimental to the pupils advice in Norfolk schools is a a teacher 2.0 Other Ofsted reports? a parent major issue.

Our aim is for all Norfolk schools to be good or outstanding

We asked some extra-curricular activities A good school recognises the of the leading – help to lift aspirations for achievements of its students figures in the pupils and the community. and encourages them to be role world of A good school is at the heart models. It works closely with Norfolk educa- of its local community and has employers, colleges, universi- tion to tell us the respect and support of local ties and training providers to what makes a people. It does not tolerate create opportunities for good school. bullying and racism, and staff, youngsters to engage with the Here, MICK parents and pupils work world of work and understand CASTLE, together to root this out. the choices they need to make Norfolk County Council cabinet It is also inclusive and serves to enhance their future employ- member for schools and a all its pupils whatever their ment prospects. teacher of 13 years, gives his background or ability, inspiring At the county council, we are view: and encouraging them to doing all we can to support and achieve their potential. challenge schools to raise Whatever the school, good It values and fosters educa- attainment. leadership and governance are tional excellence, and supports Our aim is for all Norfolk absolutely essential to its and encourages pupils with schools to be good or outstand- success. special educational needs. ing by 2016 but we can’t achieve A good school will always It is never complacent about this on our own. Crucially, have talented teachers whose teaching standards, or the parents can make a difference performance is monitored by achievements of its students, by getting involved in their the school’s senior leadership and supports the professional school and taking a keen team and governors. development of its teachers and interest in their children’s Good quality buildings and support staff. progress. Only by working facilities – and adequate It also shares good practice together can we deliver the opportunities for sport and throughout its community. changes we all want to see.

way in the county council and acad- tors soon. As the government’s revo- can emphasise competition between emy systems to bring in new ideas lution to the education system schools. But another key lesson from from outside, to encourage schools to continues, new tensions are emerg- London is that teachers there feel learn from each other, to strengthen ing that could pull efforts to improve responsible for all the capital’s chil- leadership, to support key subject education in Norfolk in opposing dren, not just their school’s. areas. directions. Although the structure of educa- It is too early to judge the success The council’s strategy relies heav- tion in Norfolk may be increasingly of these measures, as there is an ily on the Blair-era emphasis on fragmented, there is no reason why inevitable lag when you change a collaboration, praised by Ofsted for our schools cannot still work system which children experience for its role in improving London. The together. If they do, they can all freephone more than a decade, but we must coalition government is pushing for improve together. They are all 0808 231 6044 start seeing movement in key indica- academies and free schools, which responsible for Norfolk’s children.