Wheatley Lane school rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted

Inspector Ian Rimmer awarded Wheatley Lane Methodist School top marks for distinctiveness and effectiveness as a church school.

The assessor revealed his performance ratings after spending a day observing classes and chatting to pupils, parents and teachers.

Mr Rimmer’s findings were based on the staff’s ability to meet the children’s needs, the quality of RE taught, the excellent collective worship and the leadership and management of the Fence-based school.

The visit was part of the Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) - a mandatory inspection for all faith institutions teaching Christian values - and in addition assessment to the regular OFSTED report.

Acting headteacher Sinead Baker praised the hard work of all involved.

She said: “Our children really did us proud and showed the inspector what we are about.

“Mr Rimmer recognised the fantastic ethos that is ever-present in our school, and confirmed our belief that Christian values are so strongly embedded within the school, underpinning everything we do for every unique and individual child.

“The judgements are not a result of a short inspection, but a clear vision which is shared by our children, staff, parents, governors, the Methodist church and the wider community.”