One of Ipswich’s biggest primary schools has celebrated after Ofsted inspectors rated the school as ‘good’ in its latest inspection, completing a remarkable transformation in its fortunes in the last five years.
One of Ipswich’s biggest primary schools has celebrated after Ofsted inspectors rated the school as good in its latest inspection, completing a remarkable transformation in its fortunes in the last five years.
The Active Learning Trust-run Sidegate Primary School was inspected on March 15 and 16, where inspectors judged the school to be Good in all areas.
The visit represented the first time the school was inspected since becoming a part of the trust, and follows nearly five years of improvements after being given an inadequate rating in November 2012.
Since then the school was rated requires improvement in March 2014, before its latest inspection in March this year.
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First inspection since Inadequate rating
Headteacher Wendy James said: “I am so pleased that the Ofsted report reflects the dedication and commitment of the staff team at Sidegate, who work extremely hard to provide a broad and engaging education for all of our pupils.
“I am very proud of the recognition given to our pupils, who are a real credit to our school and their families.
“The inspection was very thorough and provides us with some clear recommendations to support our ongoing work to further develop the school in the future.”
Mrs James was praised in the report published yesterday, which said: “Her commitment and ambition for her pupils have created a very positive learning culture within the school.”
The school’s arts focus was highlighted in helping all areas of the curriculum, described by inspectors as “very strong” while the school environment was described as a “harmonious community”.
Progress in phonics, reading, writing and maths were described as good by the inspection team.
Active Learning Trust chief executive, Gary Peile, said: “I and my whole team at the trust are delighted that the hard work and resilience shown by the staff and pupils at Sidegate has been recognised in this great Ofsted report.
“There is much to be proud of across the school and I am pleased the inspectors were able to comment so positively on the work the Trust does to support the school.”
The school is one of the largest primaries in Ipswich, with three-school classes per year and 645 pupils on its school roll.
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