Hundon Primary School near Haverhill, pleased that ‘hard work has been recognised’ by Ofsted

An education watchdog says a village school has not only maintained the ‘good’ standards found when last inspected five years ago, but improved.

When Hundon Community Primary School, near Haverhill, was visited by Ofsted inspectors in March 2020 it was given an overall rating of ‘good’ with some elements classed ‘outstanding’.

The 70-pupil school was inspected again on May 8, after which the regulator reported it had ‘taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection’.

The school is federated with Thurlow Primary and the executive headteacher of both schools, Sharon FitzGerald said: “It was just an opportunity for all the staff really to have that recognition for the work they have been putting in.

“For them (Ofsted) to say that we have maintained those standards was really pleasing.”

One particularly satisfying aspect of the inspectors’ latest report, said Mrs FitzGerald, was where the school was praised for having improved since March 2020.

The report said: “Since the last inspection, the school has improved, including enhancing the environment for children in their early years.

“The federation allows staff to collaborate and leaders at all levels to develop their roles.”

The report added: “Positive relationships between staff and pupils create a supportive learning environment.

“Additionally, teachers motivate pupils to do their best. Pupils achieve well through the broad and interesting curriculum.”

It added that ‘learning to read is a high priority’ and that ‘pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) have their needs identified effectively’.

The report added: “The school ensures that pupils get exposure to enriching cultural experiences. This means pupils can broaden their perspectives.

“They learn about different religions and come to appreciate them.”