Joyful' school praised by Ofsted

A West Norfolk primary school is a ‘joyful and inspiring place to learn,’ with polite, kind pupils who are happy and safe, says a recent Ofsted report.

Clenchwarton Primary School, a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, continues to be a good school, but ‘could be judged as Outstanding’ on its next graded inspection, says the report.

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​The inspector carried out an ungraded inspection, which is the standard in a good school, however, because evidence suggests the school could attain a higher award, there will be a graded inspection within the next two years.

“Pupils know what kindness and politeness should look like because their teachers model these to them. Pupils help each other to be kind and make friends,” the report noted.

“Pupils find their lessons fascinating and they are keen to learn. Their teachers help them to listen and work hard. Pupils’ learning successes spurt them on. They are expected to challenge themselves. Pupils appreciate the way that teachers notice and reward their efforts. Pupils are proud of their accomplishments,” the report adds.

With 197 children on the school roll, the school is smaller than the average, and offers a wide range of clubs, activities and competitions. Pupils can join a band, become a play leader or a member of the school council.

“Leaders go out of their way to give pupils the best opportunities that will enable them to lead happy, successful and fulfilling lives. They seek out expertise, advice and inspiration from further afield. For example, they visit highly successful schools,” says the report.

Executive Head Teacher Jo Borley said the report reflected the hard work and dedication of everyone connected to Clenchwarton Primary School.

“The report is a credit to the whole team and we are delighted that it highlights all the good work going on at our primary school. We always aim to give our children the very best education and start in life - and that has been recognised by the inspector. We will all continue our commitment and strive to make sure our school is a happy, safe and outstanding place.”

The curriculum “skilfully weaves together significant and thought-provoking knowledge about the world and its history, technologies and peoples,” noted the inspector.

“Across the curriculum, pupils gain a depth of knowledge that inspires in them a zeal to learn. They understand and enthuse about what they have learned.

“Leaders equip teachers with strategies to support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, such as the provision of additional vocabulary explanations and sentence stems. Teachers present new learning clearly and regularly check pupils’ understanding.”

Children start learning to read as soon as they join the schools and have plentiful opportunities to practise reading with books that match their learning stage.

Staff have warm relationships with the children and identify needs early on and create a learning environment which ‘underpins the development of all aspects of children’s learning and development.’

“We are incredibly proud of our children,” added Ms Borley.