Elveden C of E Primary School near Thetford is praised by Ofsted in glowing inspection report as it retains ‘outstanding’ rating

A ‘highly-inclusive’ school where ‘there is no ceiling to what pupils can achieve’ has retained an ‘outstanding’ inspection grading.

Elveden Church of England Primary Academy, near Thetford, is celebrating the outcome of an Ofsted inspection on December 5 and 6.

Headteacher Lorna Rourke said they were ‘delighted’ to have achieved an outstanding judgement in 2016 and then to retain this in 2021 and now in 2024.

Ofsted graded the school outstanding for overall effectiveness and in four out of the five categories, with early years provision judged to be ‘good’.

In praise for the school, the report says it is ‘highly inclusive’, pupils are, without fail, ‘respectful, well-mannered and polite’, there is a ‘highly ambitious’ curriculum in all subjects and there is ‘exceptional provision’ for students beyond the classroom.

In a letter to parents, Mrs Rourke said: “The overall effectiveness of the school remains outstanding, which we are absolutely delighted about and reflects the hard work of staff, pupils and governors and the continued support from our families.

“The framework is vastly different to the framework on which we were inspected in 2016, so to continue to be outstanding in most areas is a testament to the continued drive for school improvement from all stakeholders.”

The report said pupils ‘love coming to school and have excellent attendance’.

It added: “They form positive relationships, with older and younger pupils playing joyfully and harmoniously together.

“The school has high expectations of pupils’ learning and behaviour. Pupils work hard, and enjoy their learning.”

It added: “There is no ceiling to what pupils can achieve.”

It also said pupils learn how to manage their feelings and emotions, they are proud to take on roles of responsibility, and pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive high-quality support.

In terms of beyond the classroom, the report said there are ‘carefully planned activities available at lunchtime’, and Forest school sessions offer opportunities for pupils to thrive in the outdoors.

It also mentioned the school’s ‘well-designed enrichment programme adapted around the needs of the pupils’, noting the young citizens award and a wide range of opportunities in sports, arts and music, as examples.

In early years, adults create a warm, caring environment and children learn through a mix of adult-led activities and play. Inspectors said leaders recognise there needs to be ‘further refinement’ to ensure all children in early years achieve the planned outcomes across the whole curriculum.

Mrs Rourke said: “Early Years was graded as secure ‘good’ and we would agree with that judgement based on the support children have needed in early years when they come into school which has affected our end of year outcomes.

“The report details the excellent provision these children receive and we will continue to support all children to achieve the very best outcomes as part of our Christian ethos.”

She gave a ‘huge’ thank you to parents for the feedback as part of Ofsted Parent View, adding: “To have 46 responses alongside 29 free-text parent comments, with such hugely positive feedback was incredibly pleasing and something that, as a staff, we are hugely honoured to receive.”

https://www.suffolknews.co.uk/thetford/a-testament-to-the-continued-drive-for-school-improvement-9349325/