Pupils’ love for reading has been “re-energised” and writing and other standards are also improving at a Suffolk primary school, Ofsted has said.
Bildeston Primary School has retained its ‘good’ rating after a short inspection by the education watchdog.
Headteacher Lynne Golding has a “clear vision” for the school. She has created a “purposeful environment” within a “happy school”, Ofsted said.
“(Pupils) speak highly of the changes made over this year, especially the introduction of new reading books and your chosen reading scheme for Key Stage Two,” inspector Kim Hall wrote.
“Older pupils speak proudly about how well they consider they have been prepared for moving on to secondary school.”
Some 73% of Year 6 pupils reached the expected standard in writing in the Key Stage Two SATs results in 2016, just under the 74% nationally. For reading, it was 64%, under 66% nationally.
Inspector Kim Hall wrote: “You have taken decisive action since the results in 2016 to improve the quality of reading in the school. Since providing a new range of texts, you have re-energised pupils’ love for reading.
“Pupils have access to texts that they find exciting and enjoy the competition element that you have introduced. Pupils know how many books they have read and have a very clear understanding of their achievements. Your changes have been highly successful.”
A “significant proportion” of Year 6 pupils have resultantly made “rapid progress” in reading. The report said: “Pupils who read to me did so fluently, enjoyed their reading and could explain their understanding extremely well.”
Older pupils are also making good progress in writing, in a “wide range of genres”.
The report added: “There is much evidence to show that they are proficient at editing and redrafting their writing, so that their final piece is of a good quality.”
Attendance rates and the teaching of phonics have also improved.
Ms Golding said: “We have gone from strength-to-strength, building a real learning community where staff and pupils enjoy their learning. The curriculum includes a wide range of exciting learning experiences.
“It’s a great end to a brilliant year’s work.”
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