de Vere Primary School Castle Hedingham rated good by Ofsted

De Vere Primary School, in Castle Hedingham, was rated 'good' in the report from Ofsted.

de Vere was rated Good in all categories, namely, the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.

It was also rated outstanding for their early years provision

The inspection team praised the school’s leaders and the improvements made since the last report.

The report says: “Leaders have driven forward significant improvements.

“This is a different school to that seen at the last inspection and prior to the pandemic.

“The early years curriculum sets children on the journey to realising leaders’ high ambitions.

“Many pupils attain a good level of development ready for Year 1. This includes children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).”

It continued: “Leaders have taken action to improve pupils’ independent learning and have considered carefully how to achieve this for pupils with SEND.

“Staff also undertake regular training, so they are responsive to pupils’ needs.

“They also regularly review the steps in pupils’ support plans, so they can be successful in their learning.”

The inspectors praised the pupils, saying “classrooms are calm and purposeful”.

School bosses were delighted with the rating (Image: Public)

The report says: “Pupils sustain focus as they want to do well.

“Children in Reception are coping well with concentrating for lengthier periods of time in readiness for expectations in Year 1.

“Social times are full of fun and laughter. Children are happy to share their toys and pupils enjoy using the playground equipment.”

The report went on to highlight pupils’ passion for being sustainable.

“They check there is no food waste in the canteen and grow their own vegetables to eat,” it said.

The school is part of the Attain Academy Partnership.

Chief exec Susannah Edom-Baker said: "This is a significant achievement for the staff team, led by head of school Carolyn White and assistant headteacher Samantha Marsh.

"We are all thrilled to have Ofsted recognise the great work which takes place here every day by saying that a de Vere is a good school with outstanding early years provision.”

Headteacher Mrs White said “The staff and families at de Vere are delighted and proud that the Ofsted grading reflects what we know the school to be.

"We’ve put relationships first, prioritised reading and made maths fun. The children are proud to come to de Vere and the dedicated and skilled staff love working here.”