Ipswich school praised for changes made since being told it ‘requires improvement’

School inspectors are impressed at the work done to turn around a Ipswich primary school which was rated as “requires improvement”.

Gusford Primary School, Ipswich Picture: LUCY TAYLOR - Credit: Lucy Taylor

Ofsted carried out the monitoring inspection at Gusford Community Primary on Friday, June 22 to assess whether changes were being implemented after its previous inspection in June 2017.Concerns raised last year regarded a lack of leadership, the quality of teaching and uneven progress for students.A new headteacher has since taken over and eight new teachers were hired at the start of this academic year, leading to better progress in pupils’ writing and mathematics and the use consistent safeguarding practices, which are vital for student welfare.The report stated: “A thorough review of safeguarding has been undertaken by the trust.“New procedures have been put in place led by the newly appointed, experienced school business manager.“Those shown during inspection showed a marked difference to those that were carried out prior to September 2017.” Ofsted also accepted that more improvements could be expected as changes implemented in September 2017 begin to take effect.Headteacher Claire Claydon said: “The letter shows clearly that we are taking effective action to secure improvements and the areas identified for further improvement are already part of our ongoing school improvement plans.“Our recent SATs results support the inspector’s verdict, and we now have the results to show that the quality of teaching and work produced has significantly improved, particularly in writing.”She continued: “Gusford Primary students are a delight to be around and they seriously impressed the inspectors with their impeccable behaviour and positive attitudes to learning.Active Learning Trust chief executive Gary Peile was also delighted with the findings of the monitoring report and praised the determination of Gusford staff and pupils.Speaking about the report published this week, he said: “We are delighted that the recent Ofsted visit agreed with the Active Learning Trust’s view that Gusford is a school that is improving rapidly.“We can look forward to 2018/19 with real optimism for continued and sustained improvement.”The report identified next academic years science curriculum, guidance from teachers and ‘consistently high expectations of pride’ in written work and the next areas for improvement.