A Suffolk primary school has received a glowing review from Ofsted, with inspectors praising its well-designed curriculum and happy, polite pupils. Hintlesham and Chattisham Church of England Primary School was visited by the education watchdog in November, with inspectors rating it ‘good’ in all areas. The report praises the school’s ‘high expectations’ for pupils’ progress and the importance the school places on reading.
The report reads: “Reading is at the heart of what the school does. There are many high-quality books for pupils to choose from, both at the early stages of reading and for more fluent readers. Pupils talk enthusiastically about the different books they have read.”
Inspectors also praised the school’s ‘buddy pair’ system, where younger students are matched with older student mentors to support them while at the school.
The report reads: “Pupils across the school talk warmly of the ‘buddy’ pairs that they have, with older pupils supporting younger ones at events and when walking to the church.” It continues: “The school ’s curriculum is well designed to meet the interests and needs of pupils. It aims to broaden their horizons, with a high emphasis on understanding diversity in modern Britain and beyond.”
This is the first time the school has been inspected since 2009, when it was rated ‘outstanding’. It converted to an academy in 2018. Schools previously judged outstanding were exempted by law from routine inspections so there has been a longer gap than usual between inspections. Judgements in this report are based on the current inspection framework.
Headteacher Debbie Jackson said: “We are delighted that the hard work from staff and pupils alike has been recognised by the Ofsted inspectors. We have re-designed the curriculum over the last few years and staff have put a lot of thought, care and hours of work into it, so it is great to see they are pleased with our progress. It was also lovely seeing that the inspectors had recognised our children are happy here, feel safe and enjoy attending the school.”
Jane Sheat, CEO of the St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocesan Multi Academy Trust, said: “The trust is a strong collaborative network of 21 church primary schools in Suffolk. I am delighted that Ofsted recognised the quality of education at Hintlesham and Chattisham. Mrs Jackson and her team should be proud of their achievements.”
For more information on Hintlesham and Chattisham CofE Primary School, see www.hintleshamchattishamschool.com. For more on the MAT see http://cofesuffolkmat.org