On Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th May, Ofsted inspectors visited Eastnor Parochial Primary School in Herefordshire.
The outcome of the inspection has seen the school – which is part of the Diocese of Hereford Multi-Academy Trust (DHMAT) – again rated as ‘outstanding’ in all areas, a fantastic result that everyone at the school is incredibly proud of.
The opening line of the Ofsted report states that Eastnor is a ‘joyous and caring school’, that pupils ‘learn much’ and that the ‘attention to every individual shines out’. The report continues, ‘whether pupils excel or need extra help, this school meets their needs’, and states clearly that ‘bullying is not a problem’.
Teachers are praised for organising lessons well and academic standards at the school are high, with these ‘high expectations also reflected in pupils’ excellent behaviour’.
Ofsted found the curriculum at the school to be ‘well designed’, which means that the right things are being taught at all ages. However, the school is always looking to do things better and looks to learn from best practice elsewhere to further develop and improve.
Inspectors also noted that ‘staff identify any pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities early’ and that the ‘school’s inclusive approach and access to trust expertise supports all to achieve well’. Furthermore, pupils’ exemplary behaviour and positive relationships mean classrooms are ‘orderly, purposeful and enjoyable places for learning’.
DHMAT leaders and local governors are also praised for their input and guidance and, importantly, the families of pupils praised the school for what it does for their children and said that feel involved in school life and say the school listens to them.
Significantly, in the final part of the report, Ofsted states that ‘the school’s high expectations and worthy values nurture all pupils and enable them to flourish,’ and that ‘pupils who pass through Eastnor Primary School are exceptionally well prepared for life and learning at secondary school’.
Mrs Nicola Driscoll and Mrs Sarah Tart, who are Co-Headteachers at the school, said:
“This is such a wonderful achievement for the whole community at Eastnor Primary School. It is also thoroughlydeserved recognition for every single member of staff, who go above and beyond for the pupils each day.
“The inspectors have identified all that makes our school distinctive and special – including the consistently high academic standards – as well as the attention given to every individual pupil and the way we use the Eastnor Estate to enhance our curriculum offer.
“The staff, parents and pupils often talk about Eastnor School being like a family and we are delighted that the report has given a voice to each member of our family. Our school is a place where all of our pupils are given the chance to flourish, staff feel valued, and parents say they are supported and feel listened to.
“There is no greater success for us as leaders than for our wonderful school to have been awarded this outstanding judgement. It is recognition of the fact that our staff, families and wider community have the very highest expectations for what children will experience and achieve while they are at Eastnor Primary. We are immensely proud of everyone.”
Speaking about Eastnor’s outstanding rating from Ofsted, Canon Andrew Teale, Chief Executive Officer at DHMAT, commented:
“We are delighted with the inspection outcome at Eastnor Church of England Primary School. It is just reward for the hard work put in by everyone and perfectly reflects how good a school this is. The report speaks completely for itself in many ways and we are very proud to offer the higheststandard of primary education to children and families within this idyllic corner of Herefordshire.
“Our co-headteachers, Mrs Driscoll and Mrs Tart, as well as the dedicated staff team at Eastnor, have worked incredibly hard to keep the school moving forward so positively, in the time since it was last inspected and I am absolutely delighted that all the hard work being done has been recognised so definitively by Ofsted.”
