Staff at an “inadequate” South Holland primary school say they are already striving to make improvements.

Ofsted inspectors visited Weston St Mary Church of England Primary in October and found the school had “serious weaknesses”.

Inspectors said the achievement of pupils and quality of teaching was “inadequate” and behaviour and safety of pupils and leadership and management “required improvement”.

However, the report praised steps taken by interim headteacher Helen Okrafo-Smart to provide stability and make sure systems tracked pupils’ progress more rigorously.

Mary Hurst, chairman of governors, said: “Together with my fellow governors, we have already approved an improvement plan which includes those areas identified by Ofsted, as well as improvements previously identified by the interim headteacher.

“This plan will be closely monitored by the governing body and senior leaders, holding staff to account to ensure that appropriate progress is made by all pupils.”

The school has struggled over the last year with staff absences, including absences of school leaders.

This and the steps being made to make improvements are acknowledged throughout the Ofsted report.

Governors, staff and pupils of Monkshouse School in Spalding are celebrating recognition of their hard work.

Ofsted inspectors judged the school “good” in all four areas – achievement, teaching, behaviour and safety and leadership and management.

In a quarter of the lessons inspected earlier this month, the teaching was described as “outstanding”.

The report said: “Pupils make good progress because teaching is good. Developing reading skills has a high profile in the school and pupils read well as a result.”

How much the school had improved since the last inspection was also noted, with inspectors saying “previous weaknesses had been eradicated by an effective team”.

It was also reported that parents and carers were full of praise for the school. Pupils said that they felt safe and well-looked after because of the connection between staff and pupils.

Mrs Sue Goodsell, headteacher, said: “We are delighted with this Ofsted report which recognises the sustained improvements the school has made and reflects the hard work and dedication of all members of the Monkshouse community, pupils, staff, governors and parents.”

A Spalding nursing home has been stamped as “fully compliant” following a random inspection.

Ashwood Nursing Home was visited by industry regulators, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for an unannounced, random inspection of Ashwood’s service.

The nursing home, which has been part of the Country Court Care Group since May 2007, has not had an inspection for a little over a year.

Ashwood was rigorously checked against several outcome areas of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2010.

The feedback from the CQC was extremely positive. Country Court Care’s senior management and all staff at Ashwood Nursing Home were delighted to find out the home had received a feedback report with a “fully compliant” status.

The CQC Inspector highlighted certain areas which she felt Ashwood had excelled in, namely staff to resident communication and treating the residents with respect and integrity.

A resident stated, for the CQC report: “I’m very glad I chose here. It has a friendly and caring feel to it and I like the small scale. The staff are very considerate and I’m well cared for.”

Home manager Daniela Phillips added: “Receiving a ‘Fully Compliant’ status gives our dedicated team of staff members the recognition they deserve. We work tirelessly to maintain and increase our impeccable standards. We are all thrilled.”

Spalding-based accountants Moore Thompson has rewarded the hard work of one of its staff with a new managerial role.

Hannah Neve (26) has been promoted to an audit manager role after showing potential as an audit and accounts senior for the firm she has worked for since 2007.

She said: “I’m overseeing the work done by people in my team, so it’s quite a step up from my previous role.

“But I’m pleased because it’s a new challenge for me.”

Hannah has qualifications from the Association of Accounting Technicians, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and is a specialist in preparing solicitor accounts.

Mark Hildred, managing partner at Moore Thompson, said: “Hannah has been at the forefront of the development of services in the areas of audit and accountancy.

“We are delighted to announce the promotion of Hannah to audit manager and we are confident that, with her expertise, she can help this department grow so that it can continue to provide quality services to our clients.”

Police are concerned about a new craze sweeping the midlands with people dressing as clowns to scare or intimidate others.

Residents are being urged to report any sightings to police on 101.

A force spokesman said: “Please make any potential would-be clowns aware that Lincolnshire Police will take any reports of anti-social behaviour seriously, especially where occurrences intimidate, harass or frighten members of the public.”

• If you see any clowns in your neighbourhood, please also tell the Spalding Guardian on 01775 765413.

Fire crews were called out to a chimney fire at George Avenue, Gedney Drove End, at 11.25pm last night (Monday).

Firefighters used chimney gear and a hose reel to put out the blaze.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue say the fire was caused by a build-up of soot.

The Langtoft Players will be performing that traditional Christmas panto classic Sleeping Beauty from next Wednesday.

The players will be putting their own twist to the tale of the infant princess cursed at her christening by a wicked fairy to sleep for 100 years until awoken by a prince.

This panto promises to be one filled with magic, music and laughter.

The amateur dramatic society – which has been performing in Langtoft since 1972 – is putting on four performances of this year’s pantomime in the village hall.

They are on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, December 4-7, at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £6 for adults, £4 for children, available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/langtoftplayers or contact Velma Denniston on 01778 348568.

My article this month is very much an opportunity to say thank you.

South Holland Enterprise and Business Awards 2013

This took place on November 20 and I would like to say a big thank you to our sponsors, speakers and congratulations to the winners:

Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Butters Group, was won by We’ll Let Your House.

Apprentice of the Year Award, sponsored by Boston College, was won by Demi Blackbourn at Drive By Website.

Customer Care Award, sponsored by Chattertons Solicitors, was won by Maples Solicitors.

Business Innovation Award, sponsored by Duncan & Toplis, was won by West Elloe Pharmacy.

Supporting the Community Award, sponsored by Definitions Health & Fitness Gym, was won by Bakkavor.

Best use of IT & Communication Award, sponsored by South Holland District Council, was won by PSP IT Design & Development

A special award was made for Excellence in Professional Services which went to Barry Ingman. Barry was the Co-ordinator for Crash and latterly ShopWatch until he handed over to Stuart Brotherton earlier this year. He has made a real positive difference to the levels of crime in Spalding and helped to reduce the fear of crime.

My thanks to guest speakers Jamie Cooper from Network Rail who informed delegates of the £280m GNGE upgrade project and the potential business opportunities this will bring to Lincolnshire. He also made us aware of road crossing barrier upgrades that have been delayed from Christmas and Easter but will now take place in Spalding next summer.

Ursula Lidbetter from Lincolnshire Co-operative, shared details of her various roles as chair of Business in the Community East Midlands, Lincoln Business Improvement District, Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership. Shortly after our event it was announced that she took over as chair of the Co-op group. A big challenge but one she will undoubtedly take in her stride.

My thanks also to Spalding Chamber Council members, David Norton and Paul Turnell for organising the event which was well received by the 120 business delegates.

Christmas Festival and light switch on.

This took place on November 17 and was organised by Tulip Radio on behalf of Spalding & District Chamber of Commerce. I would add my thanks to Jan Whitbourn to the many contributors on the day who made the town centre sparkle. It was a superb day culminating in Santa ably assisted by Inca Honnor the Flower Queen and John Hayes, MP who switched on the lights.

Shop locally this Christmas

I ask you to support Spalding’s shops, particularly when you are considering purchasing your Christmas presents. I know it is tempting to be lured to Peterborough or to use the internet but if we don’t support our shops we will lose them.

Join us in Chamber

Please take a few minutes to look at our website www.spaldingareachamber.co.uk and you will see our aims and activities. We strive to represent our members and be the “Business Voice” in South Holland.

Market Deeping Shopping Centre’s Kevin Smith has won an award for his work there.

Mr Smith won the Manager of the Year title in the small centre category, in a competition run by NewRiver Retail, which owns 24 shopping centres across the UK.

He received the award at the annual centre management strategy conference.

“I am delighted that my work has been recognised,” he said. “It really is a fantastic boost for me.”

Lucy Mitchell, of NewRiver Retail said: “Running a shopping centre is no mean feat, and our centre managers across the portfolio are integral to the NewRiver team.

“Kevin has demonstrated tremendous creativity, organisation and dedication through the way he runs the shopping centre and is greatly admired by our retailers, local partners and shoppers alike. A very well-deserved win”.

For more information please contact the Deeping Shopping Centre on 01945 584109.

Gavin Miller reviews: The Hunger Games – Catching Fire (12A)

The sequel to last year’s box-office sensation The Hunger Games impressively builds on solid foundations – without ever really catching fire itself.

With two more sequels to follow – the split-in-half final book Mockingjay – as part of a franchise quadrilogy, Oscar Winner Jennifer Lawrence (The Silver Linings Playbook) grows even more impressively into the role of reluctant warrior Katniss Everdeen.

Alongside a strong supporting cast – which this time boasts the likes of Phillip Seymour-Hoffman (Oscar winner for Capote), Jeffrey Wright (Casino Royale) and Amanda Plummer (Pulp Fiction) – and a more polished production (helmed by the director of I Am Legend), Lawrence’s presence helps elevate this to the next level.

It does take a while to actually reach ‘the games’ part of the film, with the first half of the film being more methodical than exhilarating, with Katniss and 74th Hunger Games co-winner Peeta Mallark (Josh Hutcherson) becoming targets of the Capitol – primarily President Snow (Donald Sutherland) – as their victor’s tour of the districts lights the embers of a rebellion.

But the curveball (minor spoilers ahead) sees Katniss and Peeta literally thrown back into the viper’s nest when only past winners of the games can compete for a special seventy-five-year celebration – including favourite Finnick (Suffolk-born Brit actor Sam Claflin) and the sexy Johanna (Sucker Punch’s Jena Malone) – making this the deadliest Hunger Games yet.

Arguably the actual ‘games’ part of the movie isn’t as shockingly visceral as the first film, and the movie might not quite pan-out as some cinema-goers may expect – but again Lawrence, Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks and co all play their part in what is building into an epic series.

It is undoubtedly a classier product than the likes of the Twilight Saga – and deserves plaudits as this simmers nicely towards an exciting finale.

Rating: 4/5

Dr Michael and Mrs Margaret McGregor’s annual coffee morning in memory of their son John and in aid of Spalding and Bourne Branch of Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research Fund is being held today (10am to 1pm) at Bourne Corn Exchange.

The £1 entry includes coffee and mince pie.

Join RSPB Frampton Marsh staff on Sunday for a feast of family fun (10.30am to 3.30pm) in the heated visitor centre. Youngsters can make their own advent calendars, Christmas cards and origami Christmas trees, plus a host of other festive fun.

Entry is £2 per child – no need to book.

Strictly fans can test their ballroom, Latin and popular sequence steps at a Christmas dance at Holbeach Community Centre tomorrow (7.30pm for 8pm).

Live music will be performed by Stuart Burr.

Entry is £4 – take your own refreshments with you.

Rarely does a car so exceed your expectations that you find yourself chatting merrily away about it for days afterwards to anyone who’ll listen.

The first Cee’d, released nearly seven years ago as Kia’s cornerstone model, was one of them. And this, the Pro_cee’d GT, might just be another.

Remember Jeremy Clarkson clattering on in 2005 about the fifth generation Volkswagen Golf GTi, which was a brilliant all-rounder and cost less than £20,000? The Kia has more power than the 2005 Golf, much more equipment and a unique seven-year warranty, and while the Golf is now knocking on the door of £26,000 (before options) the Pro_cee’d slots in below the magic £20,000 mark.

But this is not a GTi, Kia is quick to say. It’s not an out-and-out performance-focused hot hatch, being instead more about usability and practicality.

While the likes of Renault and Vauxhall compete for the more extreme hot hatch crown, the new Kia, the Korean firm’s first performance-oriented car, is under-cutting the other mainstream competition with a product that, for the price, is nigh-on untouchable.

It’s definitely quick enough. It pulls harder the closer you are to 6,000rpm, but with a meaty midrange that, given the Pro_cee’d’s near-1,400kg kerb weight, does a brilliant job of hustling the sleek three-door shape along.

If you’re lucky enough to have a road like the famous Col de Vence on your doorstep, as we were, you quickly learn that the Pro_cee’d GT is no half-hearted, amateurish boat pretending to mix it with the old guard. It attacks corners with poise and stability, but underneath is a deep-seated feeling of unity throughout the chassis, linking front to back and side to side with a fantastic sense of togetherness that perfectly allows the car to maximise its own potential.

The steering transmits a degree of textural feel from the road for even more reassurance and control. Although at times turn-in feels just a little slower than you’d like, the steering’s overall ability to cope with your demands is impressive.

The Pro_cee’d is great fun to drive, and it doesn’t matter that it’s not as sharp at the front end as a Focus ST or as raucous as an Astra VXR. What counts is that its every facet works to make the driving experience better than the sum of its parts.

And yet after a very memorable drive across Provence, the GT settles down to a quiet 70mph motorway cruise, with its firm but well controlled suspension adapting to this new, less strenuous task just as well as it passed the Col de Vence test.

You take in the slightly over-large perforated leather steering wheel, the stylish red GT details and the brilliant central digital speedometer that can pose as either an analogue speedo or a mix of speed, torque usage, turbo boost pressure and trip info. You poke around and feel the high-quality materials, and your overall impression improves still further.

At £19,995 this car is not just a stylish and accomplished all-rounder. It’s a car that you can love for its sheer value as well as its abundant talent.

The Chequers Bar and Restaurant at High Road, Weston, has been taken over by Tim and Kate Bissett.

The couple moved in in September and have a clear vision for what they want to achieve at the bar and restaurant.

Tim says: “Our vision is of a clean, smart, cosy restaurant with good food, good service and always something special going on.

“We are planning to have a jazz pianist every Saturday night, playing soft jazz standards, American songbook and tunes from the shows.

“That helps to give a wonderful, relaxing atmosphere to the restaurant on a Saturday night and everyone loves it!”

The restaurant’s chef Tony Love is a bit of a coup: Tony has worked as head chef at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, as well as the Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane and Brockett Hall, catering for diners from royalty to international politicians.

Tony is sharing his recipe for fillets of sea bass and sea bream with crushed potato cake, nicoise salsa and roasted peppers.

You will need

1 x 200g fillet of sea bass

1 x 200g fillet of sea bream, both scaled, skin on and pin bones removed)

200g cooked new potatoes

2 finely chopped small shallots

1 tsp of chopped chives

½ red and yellow peppers, sliced and roasted

Bacon for decoration

Nicoise salad:

Small dice: 30g sun blushed tomatoes, cucumber, spring onion, 10-12 stoned black olives. Mix together with some extra virgin olive oil.

Method

Cut the fillets in half and season with salt and ground black pepper.

Place the fish skin side down in a heated shallow pan with olive oil, and hold down for a few seconds to prevent curling, cook for about 40 seconds each side.

Crush the new potatoes, season with salt and pepper. Assemble the dish as shown.

Christmas festivities are gathering pace with a number of fairs this weekend.

Flinders Founders is organising a Christmas party on Sunday (2pm) at the British Legion hall in Donington where Santa will be in his grotto, and there will be gifts for all, disco games, stalls, and refreshments. Over 3s £2 entry.

There are also events on Saturday at Fosdyke Village Hall (2pm), Gosberton Risegate Methodist Church (1.30pm) and St Mary’s Church Hall, Pinchbeck (10am).

There’s a chance to buy unusual presents at the Christmas gift and craft fair at the Curlew Centre at Sutton Bridge on Saturday (11am) where Santa will be in his grotto.

Santa will also be visiting the Christmas fair at Gedney Drove End Village Hall on Sunday (1pm).

On Saturday there is also a Christmas bazaar at Spalding United Reformed Church (10am) and a Christmas fayre plus snack lunches at Broad Street Methodist Church in Spalding (10am).

Police stopped a couple’s car after they stole perfumes and clothing from The Original Factory Shop in Market Deeping.

David Campbell (31) and Selina Rosella (28) were seen in the Market Place store on November 15.

Jim Clare, prosecuting, told Spalding magistrates the assistant manager kept a close eye on them because they had been seen in the store previously, when they may have been responsible for stealing something.

Once the couple left, the assistant manager checked a display that she had put together and saw items were missing. Police were called and the items stolen were found in the couple’s car.

Campbell told magistrates he was very sorry for the offence.

He said: “I just want to get it behind us and move on.”

Rosella told the court it was a “stupid act”.

Campbell was given a 12-month community order with 120 hours unpaid work and Rosella a six-month order with a requirement to attend a women’s emotional wellbeing activity.

The couple, from Freston, Peterborough, admitted theft of items of an unknown value. They must each pay £50 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

Facebook page South Holland and Boston’s Blast from the Past Archives is sharing pictures with readers this week.

This picture is East Street in Crowland with the George Hotel on the right – now the Abbey Hotel. The shop in the foreground belonged to boot maker and tobacconist William Perkins and his wife Elizabeth. Does anyone know the year?

Spalding police are mounting a big crackdown on thefts from shops during December.

Plain clothes and uniformed officers will be targeting known shoplifters and looking out for suspicious activity.

Community policing inspector Jim Tyner said: “There is traditionally an increase in theft from shops during December so Operation Angel has been introduced to counter this.

“Every day in December I will be deploying officers in uniform and in plain clothes targeting known shoplifters and responding to suspicious activity.

“Very little of the retail crime that we encounter is linked to poverty – it tends to be alcohol related or stealing to finance a drug addiction.”

Inp Tyner said CCTV volunteers and police specials will also join the crackdown, “working to make Spalding a safe and pleasant place to do your Christmas shopping”.