Ofsted has huge praise for Tydd St Mary Primary School and says it has a ‘huge’ impact on pupils

Staff and pupils at a village school are celebrating after Ofsted inspectors gave them the top rating.

The inspectors visited Tydd St Mary primary school in October and spent two days on-site before preparing a report that said it was ‘outstanding’ across all areas.

In their report published this week the inspectors said: “Tydd St Mary Church of England Primary School is a small village school that has a huge impact.

“Pupils live and breathe the school’s core values of respect, friendship, honesty, perseverance, responsibility, and thankfulness. They describe the school as ‘the best school ever’.”

The report praised the school for having the highest expectations for all and for creating an environment where everyone gets the support they need to thrive.

It said: “Pupils value their learning. They work hard in lessons. Pupils’ behaviour and attitudes are excellent. They are respectful, well-mannered, and polite. This has not happened by accident. Staff model respectful and positive relationships.

“Parents and carers praise the education and care their children receive. A typical comment was: ‘The school has high expectations of each child. There is a friendly and supportive culture in which all children are valued, recognised, and encouraged’.”

Teaching was praised as “highly effective” with teachers using their knowledge and skills to provide activities that enable pupils to apply what they already know, so that they achieve well.

The inspectors found pupils “achieve highly” in reading and are encouraged to read and share texts that explore diversity and different groups in society.

Pupils with special needs receive strong support in lessons and are fully included in the life of the school.

“All pupils are encouraged to be the best they can be,” said the report.

There was praise too for the early years provision. The report said: “Children in the early years make an exceptional start to their education. The early years environment is inviting. Children settle well and develop their understanding of routines and expectations.”

The school’s personal development curriculum, which has a ‘30 things to do before I leave Tydd St Mary’ checklist, is described as “remarkable” and provides opportunities for pupils to broaden their horizons.

The report said: “For such a small school, there is an ambitious range of extra-curricular activities available. Pupils have opportunities to further their talents and interests in areas such as sports, music, art, and languages. Educational trips allow pupils to experience a variety of cultural activities, such as museum visits and visits to the beach.”

Finally it said: “The school is very well led. The governing body and all staff work together in the best interests of all pupils. The school staff feel well supported. They are extremely proud and happy to work at the school and be part of the ‘Tydd school and community family’.”