Hartest Church of England Primary School, in The Row, near Bury St Edmunds and Sudbury, celebrates after Ofsted recognises its transformation journey

A school is celebrating after being recognised for its transformation journey by Ofsted.

Hartest Church of England Primary School, in The Row, has been rated good by the education watchdog after previously being graded inadequate in 2021.

The school, which is part of the St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocesan Multi-Academy Trust (MAT), was praised by inspectors Daniel Short and Benjamin Axon as being like a ‘big family’.

It was rated good in four inspection areas, while there was insufficient evidence to grade the early years provision due to few children being on the roll at the time.

Headteacher Amanda Woolmer said: “I am thrilled to see the hard work of the entire teaching team – and our pupils – has been recognised by inspectors.

“All of us at Hartest strive to create a fun, friendly and engaging environment for children to learn.”

Mrs Woolmer said the school will remain steadfast in its efforts to continue its improvement journey.

Jane Sheat, CEO of the St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocesan MAT, praised Mrs Woolmer and her team and said everyone at the school should feel incredibly proud of their achievements.

The report said pupils feel safe at Hartest Primary, with staff spotting issues quickly and swiftly solving them.

It has close ties with the on-site pre-school, meaning pupils flourish from when they start in reception, inspectors said.

Students rarely fall behind, with the report noting the strong emphasis Hartest Primary has on reading from reception to later years.

Personal development of students at the school is not limited by its size, with pupils able to foster creative and sporting abilities through the curriculum and clubs, such as band academy and multi-skills sports.

The report holds the school’s leaders in high regard.

It said they have seen the school through some difficult times, with their resilience and communication skills resulting in children, parents and staff trusting their ability to improve the school.

Safeguarding arrangements are regarded as effective.

The report said some staff are still getting to grips with recent training on how best to routinely monitor pupils’ understanding to inform teaching, meaning on occasion staff skim over students’ mistakes or pose confusing questions.

Inspectors also raised concerns about persistent absenteeism for disadvantaged pupils being higher than the school would like, adding the trust and school should consider how best to enhance its policies to best benefit all students.