Huntstanton Primary

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Celebrating our 'GOOD' Ofsted grading - July 2024

Staff, students, and governors at Hunstanton Primary School are celebrating after receiving a ‘Good’ grading from Ofsted following an inspection in July.

The report, released at the start of the new term, confirmed that Hunstanton Primary continues to be rated as a ‘good’ school.

The inspection described Hunstanton Primary as a “welcoming and inclusive environment,” highlighting that pupils are happy and enjoy their learning experience. The school’s strong provision for students with special educational needs was particularly commended, ensuring all pupils receive the support they need.

Head teacher Jo Sullivan expressed her pride in the school’s achievements, saying: “This recognition from Ofsted reflects the passion and dedication of our staff in creating a supportive and enriching environment where our pupils can thrive.”

Inspectors also praised the school’s well-rounded curriculum, tailored to meet the diverse needs of all students and designed to help them achieve the school’s motto: ‘Succeed, Enjoy, Aspire.’ Special recognition was given to the emphasis on teaching pupils about their local area, instilling a sense of pride in both Hunstanton and Norfolk. The high expectations held by staff for their pupils were also noted.

The core subjects of Maths and Reading were identified as strengths of the school. The school’s Maths leaders were commended for driving significant improvements, while in Reading, the inspector highlighted the focus on developing enthusiastic and fluent readers.

The wider curriculum also earned high praise, with Ofsted acknowledging the many opportunities available for pupils to explore their interests and talents. This includes a broad range of afterschool clubs, impressive sporting and arts programs, as well as leadership roles that empower pupils throughout the school.

Notably, the report recognised the strong sense of community embedded in Hunstanton Primary; a point that delighted both staff and governors. 

Mrs Sullivan emphasised that this sense of community is more meaningful than any single-word rating, and she voiced her support for the government’s plans to move away from such judgments in future Ofsted inspections.

Chair of Governors Jenny McGee-Butler added: “It’s wonderful to see the inspectors highlighting the hard work and collaboration that makes our school so special. As governors, we look forward to supporting the school’s continued success.”

Head teacher Jo Sullivan, left, and chair of governors Jenny McGee-Butler, right, celebrate the Ofsted grading with the School Student Council, Head Boy and Girl and their deputies

THANKS GIVING TO MCGINN GROUNDWORKS FOR PICNIC BENCHES.

On Friday children at Hunstanton Primary were joined in their celebration assembly by Kiera McGinn from McGinn Groundwork and Equestrian.  The company had kindly donated the funding to purchase two recycled picnic benches which children and staff are able to use to enhance the outside space for learning. Children heard from Miss McGinn that her father Anthony had been a student at Hunstanton Junior school and the company were pleased to be able to support the school.  She went on to tell the children that groundwork is very similar to a good education, ‘you need to get the foundations right early on to provide a solid start’.

 Children whose parents who had helped to transform the area then joined Miss McGinn for squash and cake on the benches and heard more about the work the company did and Miss McGinn’s own local education.  Jon Butler Governor said ‘we were delighted when the company offered to purchase the benches, without support from the local community purchases like this, that enhance our children’s education are often not possible.  It was also lovely to hear Miss McGinn’s own experiences in education and how successful she has been which was inspiring for the children’.

 Surplus benches and garden furniture were also donated by The Golden Lion Hotel and local businessman Paul Stafford.