Ridgewell Primary School's Ofsted rating rises from 'inadequate' to 'good'
A village primary school rated ‘Inadequate’ six years ago by an education watchdog has received a ‘Good’ rating following a series of visits from Ofsted.
The eye-catching improved rating has been given to Ridgewell Church of England Primary School following its latest inspections.
Having spent two days with the staff and students at the school during January, Ofsted inspectors praised the school’s values and ethos, stating that they are “clearly evident in pupils’ good conduct, respect and the care they show for one another.”
The report also made a special note of the attention that the school pays towards delivering lessons which foster all the individual students’ interests and passions.
This is achieved through a strong collaboration between leaders and teaching staff, whose ambitious new curriculum aims to develop pupils’ knowledge and skills as “scientists, historians, explorers, game changers, sporting giants and ‘imagineers’.”
Kirsty Stuart, the school’s headteacher, said: “We are delighted with our recent Ofsted report which acknowledges the hard work and dedication that staff and pupils put into their work at Ridgewell.
“It was recognised that, ‘Everyone makes sure pupils enjoy school and remain safe’, as is evident by pupils eagerly bouncing into school each morning.”
She continued: “We are so thrilled with our pupils’ good behaviour and as expected, they were seen to ‘behave well, and concentrate on their activities without the need for reminders.
“I am so proud to be the headteacher of our wonderful small school and I look forward to continuing to build on our success so far.”
Emma Wigmore, CEO of the Chelmsford-based Vine Schools Trust, of which the school is a member, said “We are incredibly proud of everyone at the school, staff and students alike, whose continual hard work and enthusiasm has been recognised by the inspectors at Ofsted.
“New leaders and the extra support available since becoming an academy have led to significant improvements, which were reflected in Ofsted’s detailed report.
“Hearing that the children receive a spiritual, moral and social education wherein they learn to celebrate each other’s achievements is wonderful, as these qualities are deeply embedded in the Trust’s core values.”
