OFSTED Inspection (July 2019)

Dear Parents and Carers,

Please follow the link at the bottom to the letter from the OFSTED inspector who visited us in the last week of the school year in July.

I am delighted that our school continues to maintain its 'Good' rating.

Much is also said in the letter about the quality of relationships in school which result in our pupils feeling happy, safe and loved.

It is wonderful to read, that again, a visiting OFSTED inspector describes SJF as 'a happy school'.

Mention is made of the quality of teaching and learning and everything that is done to ensure that all our children are safe and achieve well, including those who are disadvantaged and/or living with special educational needs and disabilities.

The inspector mentions the quality of the building, which those of you who have been with over the last seven years will know has been a big focus for me. She was also impressed both with our understanding of our development areas and with our drive and determination to tackle them.

I would like to thank you all for your support of our school and for entrusting your amazing children in to our care.

The inspector noted the overwhelming support of parents that the school enjoyed and was complimentary about how much you care. This was reflected in the high number of respondents to the official questionnaire and underlined by the fact that 100% stated that they would recommend SJF to others. Absolutely incredible! Thank you.

I would like to pay a special tribute to the hard work and dedication of all my colleagues - in all their different roles - who each contribute so much day in and day out.

I would like to thank our Governors who work tirelessly to support school and to challenge and encourage us to be as good as we can be. Much of the vitally important work they do goes unseen, but is absolutely key to the continuing success of our community.

There are vacancies currently, so if you would like to find out more please let me know.

I would like to thank Fr Paul for supporting the Catholic life of the school so generously.

I would like to thank the Diocese of Hallam and the local authority for their support also. Both have stood by us throughout the early challenges and our recovery and I am so grateful for all they have done - and continue to do.

Finally I would like to thank our extraordinary PTFA who work so hard to bring people together and raise money for school. They play such huge part in school life, helping us to be a 'happy' school consistently noted by inspectors and other visitors to school. The PTFA is always on the look out for new members and ideas, so please get involved if you can. Without the generous and continued support of parents it will simply not exist. If you can help - in small ways or big - please get in touch (ptfa@st-johnfisher.org).

Our school is a very special place and I promise that we will never stop working hard - every single day - to ensure that it continues to remain so. We want our children to know they are loved; to know they are special; and feel proud of themselves so that they are able to enjoy school, achieve well and just shine!

Kind regards,

Mr Barratt