A recent Ofsted monitoring visit to Lynsted and Norton Primary has highlighted the school’s improvement plan is “fit for purpose” with “detailed plans to make further improvements with the support of Trust leaders”.

This was the first monitoring visit since the school’s full inspection during the pandemic in May 2021, when it was classed as ‘inadequate’. Since then the school has seen major changes and inspectors have highlighted its “shared commitment to improving the quality of education”. 

Since May last year the school has become part of Our Community Multi-Academy Trust, appointed a new Headteacher and made a number of changes to staff including new reception teacher, new Key Stage 2 teacher and changes to a small number of teaching assistants.

The Ofsted report states: “There is sufficient evidence to support leaders’ accurate evaluations of their impact. Leaders have detailed plans to make further improvements with the support of Trust leaders. The Interim Governing Board (IGB) includes knowledgeable professionals, who provide a range of skills to support the school. They have clearly defined roles and responsibilities and know the school well. They have appropriate approaches to monitoring the progress of the school and understand the work still to be done.”

Headteacher Catherine McLaughlin, who took on the role in September 2021, said: “We have made great strides forward in a short period of time, and our recovery from the pandemic has been tough but positive. We are under no illusion that there is much more to do, but we have a team that is working tirelessly to give our pupils the education they deserve.

“The monitoring inspection has been valuable and detailed, ensuring we remain focused on the road ahead. We have a Trust that is supporting our activity and providing high-level experience which will enable us to make further improvements in all areas quickly and effectively.”

The Ofsted report states: “The different layers of Trust support and monitoring have contributed to improvements across each area for improvement identified at the last section 5 inspection.”

During the inspection, Ofsted met with the Headteacher, subject leaders and pupils, and also with members of the Trust leadership team, Chair of the Trustees, the Chair of the IGB and the CEO.