Ofsted inspectors praised pupils and staff at Saxmundham Primary as the school was awarded a ‘Good’ grading in its latest report.

East Anglian Daily Times: Saxmundham Primary School received a good Ofsted report. Picture: GREGG BROWNSaxmundham Primary School received a good Ofsted report. Picture: GREGG BROWN

The inspection recognised the “dedicated and professional staff who are focused on improving outcomes for all pupils” and praised “polite and articulate” pupils who “work diligently across all year groups” and noted the calm, friendly and inviting atmosphere of the school.

Headteacher Ed Pearson-Shaul said: “This is a very positive report and speaks volumes about the hard work our staff have put in over the past three and a half years.

“A good Ofsted outcome is not so much about what you do on the day, it is about what you have done and continue to do every day for the children at school. We are a team that care passionately about enabling all children to fulfil their potential and it’s wonderful that our staff’s commitment has been recognised in this way.”

Vice-chair of governors, Rob Bamford said: “The findings during the inspection celebrate the excellent work and commitment the school shows on a daily basis to ensure that the children have the best life opportunities and the highest aspirations.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Saxmundham Primary School received a good Ofsted report. Picture: GREGG BROWNSaxmundham Primary School received a good Ofsted report. Picture: GREGG BROWN

The report highlights the range of clubs for children as well as the musical, sporting and performing arts opportunities on offer to the pupils, all of which serve to “highlight the inclusive and community-focused nature of the school, which parents and carers rated highly.”

Ofsted said exciting ‘whole-school’ projects focusing on literacy and 3D arts; interesting class trips and knowledgeable and enthusiastic visitors to school enable the school to “provide pupils with extensive experiences to complement the formal curriculum.”

Ofsted noted that in Key Stage Two, pupils’ progress and attainment in reading, writing and maths have increased consistently and that standards in Early Years have risen steadily over a four-year period.

This has been achieved through quality teaching; careful tracking and assessment of standards and ensuring that good opportunities for parental engagement are in place – a key element that continues throughout school from Early Years through to Year 6. The ‘Mouse Club’ for pre-schoolers and Early Years children and their families was also highlighted.