OFSTED inspectors labelled a primary school in Orford as a ‘happy’ and ‘safe’ learning space for the children who attend, in a recent visit.

The inspection took place over a two-day period between November 8 and 9 at St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School and a rating of ‘good’ was given, a continuation from the school’s previous credible ratings.

Detailed in the report, Inspector Lenford White acknowledged how the students ‘enjoy’ coming to school and are ‘respectful’ towards the staff and their peers.

It was also reported that the pupils ‘follow the rules closely’ which in turn helps to make for a ‘calm’ and ‘purposeful’ learning environment.

The school was also praised for its quality of curriculum and the teachers’ high expectations for their students to succeed.

“Leaders and governors have developed a carefully designed curriculum, which identifies the knowledge and skills that leaders want pupils, and children in the early years, to acquire.

“Leaders make sure that teachers implement the curriculum in the intended order.”

While also commending the curriculum which the inspector said helps children to build on their knowledge year on year meaning when they reach their final year, they are well equipped and ‘ready for their learning in high school and beyond’.

One element that was specifically highlighted was the attention to the development of phonics and reading.

“Leaders prioritise reading. Teachers and teaching assistants are trained well.

“Pupils, and children in the early years, benefit from a well-organised and structured phonics curriculum.”

“Teachers carefully select the books that pupils read in class. This is expanding pupils’ reading horizons”.

School head, Chris Perry, said: “I am immensely proud of our school, the children, all the staff and the volunteers who help in the school.

“Everyone has worked incredibly hard to ensure that we maximise the potential of every child in our school.”

“I am absolutely delighted that Ofsted have recognised that our school continues to be a good school,” he added.

“Our school mission statement states that ‘In the light of Jesus, we learn to shine’ and although we know our children shine every day, they really did a great job of showing this during the two-day inspection.”

Phil Atkinson, Chair of Governors said: "Speaking on behalf of the governing body, we are very proud of this Ofsted recognition and thankful for the immense hard work that the whole school team put in every day, making our school a welcoming place to be and learn in, and most importantly every child within it able to realise their potential.”