Ofsted praise for West Norfolk primary school

Personal development and early years provision at a West Norfolk school have been labelled ‘Outstanding’ in a recent Ofsted report.

Clenchwarton Primary School, a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, was also rated ‘Good’ in quality of education, behaviour and attitudes and leadership after it was inspected last month.

“Pupils enjoy a wealth of experiences beyond the academic curriculum. They participate in a wide range of clubs covering sports, art and music. Pupils relish the opportunities to become junior leaders, school councillors or to represent the school in competitions,” the recently-published report says.

“Warm, mutually respectful relationships permeate the school. Pupils value the high expectations that staff have for how they will behave and learn,” noted the inspector.

Executive Headteacher Jo Borley said everyone associated with the school was very proud of the report, and the reflection and recognition of their hard work and dedication.

“Our pupils are at the centre of all we do, and the Ofsted report clearly shows how much they value the expectations we have of them and the ambition we have for all of them as individuals,” she said.

“The wide range of experiences we offer outside of the curriculum help our children to grow and develop, and our work in personal development with them was highlighted as ‘exceptional’ by the inspector. We want each and every pupil to be prepared for life outside the classroom as well,” she added.

The inspection highlighted the ‘excellent start’ the children make on joining the school’s reception year. The high expectations are set out from the beginning of  the pupils’ education journey.

“This means no time is lost and children benefit from the expert teaching instruction. Children’s learning is further developed through well-planned activities,” the report says.

The school has 194 pupils on its roll and is one of the first to be inspected with new rules which mean a one-word grading is no longer awarded, but its previous grade, in 2019, was Good.

Chairman of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, Roger Livesey, said the school was continuing the good work it started.

“This report is a true reflection of the hard work put in by everyone associated with the primary school, and the wider community. Each of them should be very proud of their role in this successful school and they are all to be congratulated,” he said.

The report highlighted the early years and personal development as ‘Outstanding’ and said: “The school’s work to support pupils’ personal development is exceptional. Pupils visit different places of worship and benefit from established links with schools in different parts of the world. They have a strong understanding of equality and diversity. Pupils’ personal, social, health and economic education is a priority. They learn how to stay healthy and keep themselves safe, including online.

“They demonstrate mature, sensitive views about real life issues. Pupils are very well prepared for life in modern day Britain,” the report says.