Shotley Community Primary School wowed Ofsted inspectors to secure a 'Good' saying across the board,

Inspectors visited the school, which has 145 pupils, for two days towards the end of January and were impressed by the overall effectiveness.

It was the first inspection since Rebecca Newton took over as head teacher last year, and since the school became part of the ASSET Education Academy Trust.

Mrs Newton spoke of how incredibly proud she as head teacher, the Trust, and the whole team were of the outcome.

She said: "It is wonderful news, not only for the school and children but also the wider community we serve that there is another 'Good' school on the peninsula.

"We have been on a great journey and we look forward to continuing to flourish and grow. "

Celebration time - Shotley head teacher Rebecca Newton (Picture: Nub News)

Alex Rawlings, head of governors at the school, added: "We are delighted. Such a great reflection of the school."

Previously Shotley primary had received an 'Inadequate' rating in 2017, but the subsequent turnaround saw the quality of education at the school leap forward.

Behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision were all assessed as 'Good'.

Among the positive aspects picked out by inspectors was Shotley's 'Year 6 angels' that help helps settle children into school routines, sitting with their partnered child during assembly. They then show them how to sit and listen and how to talk to a partner about the questions staff ask.

The report also highlighted: how pupils tend to the hens and help to look after the therapy which fosters kindness and responsibility.

Inspectors noted pupils recognise the improvements leaders have made to behaviour. They know that it keeps getting better. They are keen to work together to collect house points for their team. Pupils understand the difference between bullying and pupils having a falling-out.

They speak about the assemblies and lessons when staff explain this to them. If either occurs, pupils know how to seek support from the peer mentors or trusted members of staff. Having staff they can turn to means that pupils are kept safe.

No bullying issues, or behavioural problems were identified and great care is taken rgarding well-being.

Pupils typically meet staff's high expectations, listening to staff and trying hard to complete activities and remembering much of what they learn.

The 'let's talk' assemblies allow leaders to address topical concerns with pupils. These, along with the lunchtime well-being club, allow pupils to confide in a trusted adult when they have a concern.

The Ofsted report noted the school's 'difficult past' but was now stable and that had helped leaders, including Mrs Newton, make improvements and in some case be ahead of the game,

Suggestions were made to make even or improvements going forward.

Shotley Community Primary School Ofsted report March 2023

Chelmondiston Primary's Ofsted report.

Head defends school