Weeting Church of England Primary School was described by inspectors as a place where “pupils get off to an excellent start”, “take pride in their work” and where the curriculum is “broad and ambitious.” 

Staff and pupils were delighted with the result, which rates the school good in the quality of its education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management. The Early Years Provision was given an even higher ‘outstanding’ rating. 

The school has been transformed over recent years from one which required improvement, to a place that Ofsted now describes as “calm and orderly” and where parents told inspectors that “pupils love coming to school.” 

The report highlighted a range of positives including that pupils show good levels of empathy and that “they take care of each other and play well together” as well as learning “to be respectful and understand differences.” 

The leadership of the school was highly praised, along with its “clear ambition that every pupil will develop a love of reading.” 

Class teachers were found to be meticulous in their planning of lessons and ways to engage pupils, presenting information clearly and checking knowledge levels. 

Headteacher Jacqui Hardie, who has been at the school for six years and was acting head teacher before taking up the role permanently in May, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with this Ofsted report. It highlights all the very hard work that that has taken place over recent years”. 

“I am incredibly proud of the school, staff, children, families, and community – we have all worked together to make this school a place where learning is fun, exciting and challenging”. 

“The report reflects our school vision, which is a cord of three strands is not easily broken, where the children, staff and families have come together. It has been four years of hard work, total commitment and support from staff so we are delighted that Ofsted has seen how amazing this school is.” 

“When Ofsted arrived, we were all very calm, because we know the systems and teaching we have in our school work.  We are seeing the impact of this on our children every day.” 

Inspectors particularly praised the outstanding early years provision, stating: “Children in Reception have access to an extensive range of enticing activities. These help children’s all-round development as part of an ambitious curriculum. 

“Teachers routinely praise children’s efforts. They use their phonic knowledge to write about things that interest them. Children play imaginatively. They make detailed creations inspired by the stories they have been reading. There is a sharp focus on developing children’s vocabulary. They are very well prepared for Year one.” 

The report highlighted the SEND provision, noting the positive impact of The Nest, an area where some SEND pupils take their lessons. 

“This is a calm and less busy space where pupils can keep up with learning. Pupils that access this class are, rightly, proud of their achievements.” 

Pupil comments echoed those of the inspectors, with children across all years speaking highly of the school. 

Year 4 pupil James said: “We use our school values of perseverance and friendship to be independent learners to achieve our life goals.” 

Reception pupil Mabel added: "I like to come to school because I can make things.” 

Jacqui Hardie added: “This is a very special achievement for us as a team and for our wonderful children. We will continue to build on this success, creating and further developing a school that our fantastic children deserve.”