Robert Goodwill, Minister for Children and Families visited Wyndham Primary Academy in Alvaston to see how “inspirational leadership” and “engagement with staff, pupils and parents” can raise standards.
The visit was captured for local television, and was reported in national media.
An accompanying article in the Derby Telegraph set out that: “The school, which was rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted during its last inspection was recently designated a research school on the back of its work to raise standards and promote good practice.”
Mr Goodwill chose to focus his visit on Wyndham’s achievements in maths and English teaching, and on the raising of standards for early years education. He was also given a tour of the school, and met residents of the school’s mini-farm, including goats, hens and three very personable pigs.
The Minister said that Wyndham was a ‘great example’ of how schools can improve. He said that the school, which “had problems in the past”, had been turned around with the help of “inspirational leadership” and promised that lessons from Wyndham would be part of improving outcomes in other local schools.
Executive Principal Angela O’Brien said that the ministerial visit was a “recognition of the hard work that takes place every day”.