Headteacher hails progress following Ofsted’s improved rating of school

Kessingland Church of England Primary Academy. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

It comes after Kessingland Church of England Primary Academy was rated as requires improvement following its assessment by the education watchdog Ofsted.

Prior to becoming an academy, the school on Field Lane, was placed into 'special measures' and headteacher Adrian Crossland said the whole school community had been working hard to meet the areas of development that were highlighted.

This progress was hailed as the academy was judged as 'requires improvement' with a 'good' element by inspectors. It also follows the school's earlier success in its Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) inspection, where they were recognised as being 'good' with 'outstanding' features.

After a two-day inspection in July, Tracy Fielding, Ofsted lead inspector said: 'This is a school that requires improvement. While leaders have brought significant improvements to the school, teaching, assessment, outcomes and the early years are not yet good.'

However, inspectors said that since Mr Crossland joined in September 2015, he had strived to raise standards. The report said: 'Leaders and staff share a mutual understanding of the ethos and vision in the school. As a result, the school is improving.'

With personal development, behaviour and welfare judged to be 'good' by Ofsted, Mr Crossland said: 'We are very proud of our friendly school and are delighted that Ofsted has recognised the considerable progress that has been made towards raising standards.

'The inspectors were impressed by the behaviour and enthusiasm of our pupils and we are very proud of the atmosphere within the school – visitors always comment on the positive, welcoming feel.'

Mr Crossland is now looking forward to implementing further improvements at the school in the next academic year.

He added: 'We are constantly striving to provide the best education for our pupils and have many plans for ensuring that the school continues to flourish and improve.

'I am very proud of my staff, pupils and everyone who helps make the school such a special place.'

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With Kessingland Church of England Primary Academy part of the Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust (DNEAT), this was its first

Ofsted report since converting to an academy trust.

Prior to becoming an academy, the school was placed in special measures.

Mary Jane Edwards, DNEAT chief executive officer, said: 'We are delighted that this inspection report recognises the hard work and ambition of the headteacher and his team at this improving school. Children are clearly enjoying their time at Kessingland. The report confirms that it is a caring school where children feel safe and are very well looked after by staff and each other alike.'

A trust spokesman said the progress that the school was making 'is certainly very positive' and the report endorses 'that the school and trust have a good understanding of its strengths and areas for development.'