Edgar Sewter Primary School, in Norwich Road, Halesworth, part of ASSET Education, celebrates ‘incredible journey’ as Ofsted upgrades rating

A school has celebrated its ‘incredible journey’ as Ofsted upgraded its rating.

Edgar Sewter Primary School, in Norwich Road, Halesworth, was graded good by the education watchdog, up from its previous requires improvement grading in February 2020.

Inspectors Jonny Wallace, Rob Edwards and Lynn Edwards said the school now, after an ‘unsettled period’, offers a ‘much-improved quality of education’.

Katherine Milk, headteacher at Edgar Sewter, said: “We are thrilled with our most recent Ofsted report recognising the hard work and dedication of the staff and children.

“We have been on an incredible journey since our last inspection and are truly grateful for our families, governors and Asset for their continued support, guidance and encouragement.

“I am incredibly proud to lead such a wonderful school.”

The report said pupils at Edgar Sewter feel ‘happy and safe’ while leaders have established ‘high expectations of pupils’.

Inspectors complimented the school’s ‘well-planned curriculum’ which they said meant students benefitted from stronger teaching.

This included effusive praise of its planning of the curriculum, which the report said was well linked across year groups and subjects.

The school has strong behaviour expectations of its pupils, who know its ‘simple but effective rules – be ready, be respectful, be safe’.

The report said, after the pandemic, the school recognised a need to improve pastoral support for pupils and their families. Now, students receive ‘regular check-ins and support’ from trained adults at the school.

Inspectors noted the school’s early years provision was a strength. Children showed positive learning behaviours in both nursery and reception, they said.

Established systems and processes support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Edgar Sewter pupils have a ‘strong understanding’ of various cultured and beliefs, while they value difference and understand the importance of respecting others, the report said.

Inspectors did note, on occasion, the wider curriculum is not adapted as effectively and content not always broken down, which can inhibit pupils’ learning.

The report also said some parents at the school do not feel part of the community and there is a feeling of disconnect between the school and some of its families.

To dispel these issues, inspectors said the school should appropriately adapt learning tasks to meet all pupils’ needs and continue its work to develop structured communication channels and the visibility of leaders so as to address parental concerns appropriately.

Edgar Sewter Primary School is part of the ASSET Education multi-academy trust.