A primary school described as a “happy and close-knit community” has retained its good Ofsted rating.

Belthorn Academy Primary School in Belthorn was inspected over two days on February 28 and 29, with a report of the inspector’s findings published on Monday (April 29).

The school was said to have high ambitions for what pupils should achieve and that they do “particularly well” in maths and English.

The report said: “There is a happy and close-knit school community. Staff know the pupils and their families well. This helps pupils develop strong bonds with their teachers.

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“Pupils are highly appreciative of the wide range of extra-curricular clubs and opportunities on offer. These vary from term to term based on pupils’ interests and preferences. Pupils spoke with enthusiasm about the roller-skating club. They also value the many other clubs like sewing, chess, and boxercise.

“Pupils take pride in contributing to community and school fundraising initiatives. They were excited to tell the inspector they are currently working hard to raise money for a school minibus.”

Inspectors found that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) also achieved well at the school, with teachers delivering subject content in coherent, effective ways.

However, it was also found curriculums are not as well developed in some subjects, and in these pupils sometimes miss out on intended content and do not have the opportunity to broaden and deepen their knowledge as they otherwise could.

The report continued: “The school fosters a love of reading. Pupils read widely and often. They enjoy the opportunity to listen to stories read by their teachers. Pupils develop a strong appreciation of the underpinning moral and cultural themes in these stories. For example, pupils were able to tell the inspector about a previous book that their teacher read to them. This explored what it might feel like to be an evacuee.

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“Staff enjoy working at the school. The school helps them to manage their workload. For example, staff spoke positively about the extra time that they are given to carry out wider duties. Governors are effective in their roles. They have a clear understanding of their statutory duties and carry them out well.”

Safeguarding measures for the school were deemed to be effective.

The school’s next inspection is expected to be sometime within the next four years.

To read the full report, visit the Ofsted website.