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The position at Norton School

Norton School has experienced difficulties in recent years. The Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) inspectors have commented upon significant weaknesses within the school but have also identified significant strengths.

The Governors, school management and staff, supported by staff from Hertfordshire County Council, have worked hard to make improvements and some successes have been achieved.

Despite this, the school has found it difficult to continue to implement its improvement strategies because of a high turnover of staff. National teacher recruitment difficulties are reflected in Hertfordshire but even more so in this small school identified as having problems. This year:

over half of the teachers at Norton are new to the school; and

one third of its teachers are on temporary contracts.

This lack of continuity and experience, together with other problems at the school, have had an inevitable effect on teaching and learning within the school. Despite much hard work on the part of Norton’s teachers, too many lessons are not reaching acceptable standards and this is affecting the way pupils view their abilities and confidence in the school.

The County Council is concerned that the school will not be able to improve its current performance quickly enough to make a significant difference to the education of existing pupils and new entrants due for September. We have, therefore, considered what can be done to secure the best possible solution for pupils and staff at Norton School.

Ofsted has re-visited the school and its report is expected to be published shortly. If Ofsted agrees with the County Council’s view of standards at the school we will formally be required to consider the position of the future of the school.

This document explains why:

the County Council is proposing to close the school;

how it would be achieved by expanding other schools;

the implementation arrangements, particularly for pupils;

the timetable for consultation and decision; and

how to let us know your views.

This is a consultation document. No decision on whether to close Norton School has yet been taken.