Safeguarding issues at a Suffolk primary school put in special measures earlier this year have now improved, Ofsted has said.

East Anglian Daily Times: In its first visit from Ofsted since being put in special measures, Ixworth Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School has improved its safeguarding for children. Picture: ARCHANTIn its first visit from Ofsted since being put in special measures, Ixworth Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School has improved its safeguarding for children. Picture: ARCHANT

In its first visit at Ixworth Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School since it was rated ‘inadequate’ after an inspection in February, the education watchdog declared safeguarding is now “effective” at the school.

Ineffective leadership of safeguarding practices was a key reason why the school was given Ofsted’s lowest rating. It meant the school had to convert to academy status and is set to join the Tilian Partnership Multi Academy Trust this month. The trust launched in September 2016 and runs four primary schools in north Suffolk.

The Section 8 inspection report said: “Since the previous inspection there have been significant changes in leadership at the school and this has resulted in unsettled times at Ixworth.

“Since your appointments to the school (Andrew Berry and Louise Clark as interim headteachers), you have both worked hard to ensure that arrangements for safeguarding are more rigorous, meet statutory requirements, are fit for purpose, and that the safety and welfare of pupils are of paramount importance.

“You both oversee and ensure that appropriate checks are made on all adults who work with children and pupils at the school and that detailed records are kept of all staff appointments.”

It added: “Although all members of staff are appropriately trained, your recent safeguarding external review and my own inspection evidence indicate that staff are not consistently demonstrating that they are aware of their accountability and their safeguarding responsibilities.”

Mr Berry, who is also the principal of Tilian Partnership Multi Academy Trust, said: “We are pleased that the inspection recognised the significant work by the staff and the progress that has been made to ensure effective safeguarding. We acknowledge that there is more to be done and the school will continue to build upon this success by focusing on developing the safeguarding culture, procedures and monitoring as well as ensuring the children are learning well.”

Gordon Jones, education cabinet member at Suffolk County Council, said: “We have supported the school to address their safeguarding concerns and will continue to ensure they continue to make rapid progress.”