A full Ofsted inspection at Lynsted and Norton Primary School has underlined the “significantly” improved quality of education at the school since its last full inspection in 2021, where it was rated as ‘Inadequate’. The new rating is ‘Requires Improvement’, but Headteacher Catherine McLaughlin, who took on the role in September 2021, says the school is on the right path with clear actions of how to make further improvements.

In a letter to parents and carers she said: “We are really pleased that the inspectors recognised the progress that the school has made and have now taken us out of serious weaknesses.

“The inspectors could see that we all have a shared commitment to improving the quality of education at the school and the progress that we have made in developing the curriculum.” She thanked the staff, governors and Trust team for working so hard to enable the school to now be on such a positive journey.

Following the inspection carried out in March this year, Ofsted rates the early years offering as ‘Good’, stating “teachers and support staff have a clear and shared understanding of what children need to know and be able to do to be ready for Year 1”. They highlight the “nurturing environment’ across the school, but the report suggests that further improvements could be made: “While pupils now follow a broad and balanced curriculum, there is more to do to ensure that all pupils achieve well across all subjects.”

The school became part of Our Community Multi-Academy Trust in May 2021, and made changes to leadership and staff. Ofsted commended their new approach: “School and trust leaders, as well as those responsible for governance, share a clear and ambitious vision. They aspire to provide pupils with an excellent education in their village school. They want the school to be at the heart of the local community. Those responsible for governance provide leaders with strong support and challenge so that the school continues to make progress towards this shared vision.”