A Soham school where pupils are ‘happy in a nurturing, supportive environment’ is celebrating an Ofsted rating of ‘good’ following their most recent inspection.

St Andrew’s Church of England Primary School, part of the Diocese of Ely Multi-Academy Trust, in Soham, Cambridgeshire has received a ‘good’ rating across all areas of its Ofsted inspection.

In their report, assessors noted that staff ‘expertly weave knowledge and vocabulary with children’s interests, helping children learn’.

It highlighted that ‘children are well prepared for Key Stage 1’ and teachers ‘use their understanding of what pupils have learned in the early years to help pupils build on existing knowledge’.

“Teachers provide clear models that set out how pupils should complete an activity,” said the assessors. “They use assessment strategies to check that pupils understand, spotting and fixing misconceptions quickly. Consequently, pupils successfully complete tasks.

“Staff have high expectations of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

“Leaders involve teachers, pupils, parents and appropriate specialists to identify how to help pupils.”

Headteacher Elizabeth Henderson said: “We are all absolutely thrilled with the outcome of our latest Ofsted inspection.



“The staff at St. Andrew’s put in a significant amount of effort to work together to provide a good level of education for all of our pupils and the result of this inspection is a testament to that.”

The report noted that leaders prioritise reading and all teachers are trained in the adopted phonics programme, leaders quickly identify pupils who may be falling behind and provide support to help them keep up.

Staff value the training offered by the school and DEMAT, with the Trust’s subject communities supporting staff to develop their subject specific knowledge.

Inspectors also commented on the school’s ‘robust and effective training and reporting systems’ for safeguarding concerns citing that the procedures in place are ‘effective’.

The inspection showed ‘pupils have access to a wide range of experiences to enrich their learning’ and made particular mention to the school’s ‘Active Crew’.

The ‘Active Crew’ encourages older pupils to get involved with the planning and delivery of a range of lunchtime events including sporting activities and dance sessions which help younger pupils see their older peers ‘as role models’.

Mrs Henderson added: “While we are really pleased with this result, we will not rest on our laurels.

“We are already looking at ways to work on the feedback provided and build towards an ‘outstanding’ grade together.”