A Suffolk primary school has retained its ‘good’ rating from Ofsted, with inspectors describing it as “a warm, welcoming and happy school”. Tudor Church of England Primary School in Sudbury, which is part of the St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocesan Multi-Academy trust, was visited by inspectors in February.
The report heaps praise on the conduct and behaviour of the children, as well as saying the school is ‘ambitious for all pupils’.
“Pupils enjoy attending this warm, welcoming and happy school,” the report reads. “They are cared for by staff who know them well. This makes them feel safe and valued. Pupils know if they have any worries there will always be someone on hand to listen and help.”
Inspectors said the school has developed a ‘broad and ambitious curriculum’, and hails the school’s SEND and early years provisions as particular strengths.
The report continues: “Pupils with SEND have their needs identified accurately. They receive support from well-trained staff who have detailed understanding of what pupils need to achieve. There is no less ambition for these pupils. Children in the early years get off to a strong start. Staff carefully plan opportunities for children to challenge themselves. This helps prepare them for Year 1 and beyond.”
The report says ‘developing a love of reading is a key driver for the school’ and that ‘there is a strong reading culture and a wealth of quality texts across the school’.
“Exciting displays celebrate and encourage a love of reading”, it continues.
Headteacher Elizabeth Campbell said she was overjoyed to read the report, saying she felt the Ofsted inspector really understood the ethos of the school. She said: “We were thrilled to read the report – we were absolutely delighted. It was particularly nice to see they had noticed our enthusiasm for reading and instilling a life-long love of books in our pupils. They have really understood what the school is all about and our ethos. We are all about academic attainment, but also the personal development of our pupils as a whole.”
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 many strengths at Tudor. Congratulations to Mrs Campbell and her staff. ”
For more on Tudor Church of England Primary School, see www.tudorceprimary.co.uk and the MAT website at http://cofesuffolkmat.org
Photograph: Deputy Headteacher Emma Ince, Assistant Headteacher Natasha Williams and Headteacher Elizabeth Campbell celebrate the school’s ‘good’ Ofsted inspection with pupils.