Inspectors praise leadership at improving school

Staff, pupils and parents at a village primary school are celebrating after inspectors found it had made significant improvements over the past 18 months.

Ofsted inspectors assessed Manners Sutton Primary School, Averham, in December and found it was good in all areas. The school was previously rated as requiring improvement.

Ofsted praised the ethos of care, which was said to be the hallmark of the school, and praised the executive head, Louise Selden, who was appointed in September.

Inspectors looked at five areas — effectiveness of leadership and management; quality of teaching, learning and assessment; personal development, behaviour and welfare; outcomes for pupils; and early years provision.

Lead inspector Mandy Wilding said Louise Selden had introduced effective routines and systems, and ensured a clear focus on outcomes for pupils.

“The rigour of the executive headteacher combines well with the conscientious care provided by the head of school,” Mandy Wilding said.

“[Head of school Jason Ludlam] had secured parents’ and carers’ trust and taken appropriate steps that had brought about some improvements to teaching.

“Together, they now provide senior leadership that has accelerated improvement.”

'Pupils are keen to learn'

Pupils were found to have made good progress across all year groups and leaders ensured those at risk of falling behind were accurately identified.

“Pupils are keen to learn because the school curriculum interests them,” said Mandy Wilding.

“Pupils appreciate a wide range of activities, including sport.”

All the parents who were surveyed by inspectors were confident their children were safe, happy and well looked after.

Several parents told inspectors they had chosen Manners Sutton after losing confidence in other schools.

The early years foundation was described as a place where children could settle into established routines and a safe environment provided by caring staff.

Inspectors recommended that teachers used assessment more precisely to accelerate pupils’ progress further.

A spokesman for the school said: “The Ofsted report is welcomed by all our staff and with the continued effort they put in we look forward to the next part of our journey.

“We currently have some places available and would welcome other families looking for what we offer to join us on our exciting journey.”