Bury St Edmunds school with 'a big heart' is rated 'good'

A Bury St Edmunds school has scored its third 'good' Ofsted in nine years.

Sexton's Manor Community Primary retained its rating following a short inspection by the education watchdog on June 20.

In a report, inspector Gulshanbir Kayembe said leaders and governors at the school have 'created a very positive environment which some parents and carers describe using words such as 'fabulous'."

A lot of our visitors say the school has a big heart - Debbie Knight

Headteacher Debbie Knight said: "I'm proud of all the school team, staff, governors and most importantly the children. It's good that Ofsted has recognised the good quality of education we provide and will continue to do so.

"A lot of our visitors say the school has a big heart."

It is Sexton's Manor's third consecutive good since 2009 - a feat which Mrs Knight said is 'a testament to the hard work and dedication of the school team' given the changing threshold and Ofsted's 'higher' expectations.

The inspector said that 'vibrant displays around the school reflect an interesting, relevant and rich curriculum'.

Meanwhile, 'important values underpin the curriculum and support the development of pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding highly effectively'.

Mrs Knight highlighted a project with Fornham House care home, which sees residents visit the school each week to compose songs with pupils. Residents and pupils were due to perform their music on Tuesday.

The school also held its maths challenge on Wednesday to see if all pupils could fit around the school building holding hands.

The inspector said that pupils 'clearly understand' the school's 'high expectations' after one pupil said 'that we all matter' and another said that Mrs Knight wanted pupils to 'keep on learning and improving'.

The report noted they have 'positive attitudes to learning and are keen to do well'.

Feedback from pupils and staff was 'very positive about the school's management of behaviour and that behaviour on a day-to-day basis is good'.

Pupils are 'very inclusive' and are 'keen to learn about other cultures and religions'.

The inspector noted that leaders 'know what needs to be done' to move the school forward, which includes embedding a new approach to maths as well as building writing more effectively into the wider curriculum and from the end of the early years.