CHILDREN, staff, parents and governors at Copdock Primary have reason to celebrate today – after an amazing turnaround in the school's fortunes.Just two years ago, Ofsted inspectors warned the school had serious weaknesses.

By Judy Rimmer

CHILDREN, staff, parents and governors at Copdock Primary have reason to celebrate today – after an amazing turnaround in the school's fortunes.

Just two years ago, Ofsted inspectors warned the school had serious weaknesses. Numbers fell as low as 49 and there were fears the tiny school could be doomed to closure.

But now, under the leadership of headteacher Anne Burbridge, it is a very different story.

This time round, government inspectors have given the village primary a glowing report, finding teaching and learning to be "very good," and describing it as "an effective school which is improving rapidly".

Numbers have risen to 59 and by September there will be 70 youngsters on the roll, showing growing confidence in the school.

"After the last Ofsted inspection in February 2000, the local education authority was considering closing the school down," said Mrs Burbridge – who took over at the helm in September of that year.

"There is no thought of that now – it's not an issue at all."

Mrs Burbridge said that last time round the inspectors identified seven key issues which needed to be addressed, covering all areas of the curriculum – and there were 68 separate targets to be met.

"At that time, there were weaknesses in English, Maths and other subjects," she said. "But now we have a completely new team. We have met every one of those 68 targets.

"We have all worked tremendously hard to improve standards and this report has recognised that. Our LEA has supported us throughout.

"There is a real team spirit here and we will continue to build on our success."

More than 95 per cent of parents agreed that their children liked school and teaching was good. Parents also praised the good behaviour in school, the high expectations of staff and the progress made by their children.

Inspectors noted that "relationships between everyone in school are very good and there is no evidence of bullying."

They praised the leadership and management by headteacher, staff and governing body, monitoring and evaluation of the school's performance, standards of teaching, pupils' personal development, links between subjects and care for pupils' welfare and progress. All these areas were described as "very good".

Inspectors said standards of written work could be improved, and the school could improve its resources for outdoor play and large construction equipment for younger children.

Jill Worobec, chair of governors, said: "This is an excellent report and a tribute to the hard work of all those involved in the school over the last two years."