This was the outcome of our recent Ofsted short inspection visit on 6^th February 2018. The report states that the school continues to provide a good standard of education because “The leadership team has maintained the good quality of education in the school since the last inspection” and that “All leaders have a shared commitment to raising aspirations and improving pupils’ outcomes”.

The quality of our engaging and aspirational curriculum is praised, especially attainment in reading and purposeful opportunities for pupils to develop a wide range of skills through rich science based topics, at home and at school. Parents also value the wide number of opportunities that the school offers them to support their children’s academic learning and personal development.

The report acknowledges the good work undertaken by school leaders since the previous inspection to maintain, and enhance, the good standard of teaching. It commented how leaders use ‘”high quality training”, share expertise with other schools and the “highly effective teaching within the school” used to support the development of others.

The strong ethos of the school is recognised as “Pupils’ behaviour and attitudes remain strong. Pupils are well behaved and respectful of each other and adults across the school day”. Ofsted acknowledged that pupils have many leadership opportunities and that they “expressed pride in their school and relish taking on responsibilities”.

Parents hold the school in high regard and particularly appreciative that staff go ’the extra mile’ to support their children’s individual needs.

The inspector recognised that the excellent support given to vulnerable pupils and families is a strength of the school; this includes the effective work undertaken in the safeguarding of all pupils. She also praised leaders’ tireless promotion of the importance of attendance, ‘which has kept school attendance consistently above the national average.’

The report states that areas for school development have been clearly identified and noted actions undertaken towards addressing them. This includes the effective work undertaken by the EYFS staff to improve writing skills in the Early Years.

WELL DONE to the whole team who work tirelessly together to make Irchester Community School a great school – and that’s official !