Ofsted Praises Pupils And Staff
Celebrations at Theddlethorpe Academy after being rated 'good' by Ofsted. Principal Susan Cook is flanked by (back, left to right) CEO Martin Brown, Chair Philip Bond, and Executive Principal Andrew Clark, with pupils, (from left), Olivia Randle, Rebecca Lanham, Edward Taylor, Imogen Burton, Max Hunt, Jacob Smith, Alfie Black and Charlie Travis.
Theddlethorpe Academy's transformation has been recognised by inspectors in a glowing report.
Threatened with closure only a few years ago, we have been rated 'good' by Ofsted.
With less than 50 pupils attending and judged inadequate, the school was taken over by Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust in 2016.
Today, there are 104 children on roll and the school's thriving under Principal Susan Cook.
It had, she said, been "a long journey".
"We were quietly ecstatic when the inspector told us we were 'good'," Mrs Cook said. "I am immensely proud and relieved.
"Parents, staff and pupils were extremely positive in the surveys undertaken by Ofsted.
"Throughout the whole process the staff team exhibited a high level of coherence, cooperation, and professionalism.
"I would also like to express my gratitude to the Trust for its generous support. I am really appreciative of their ongoing assistance.
"We collaborate closely. In terms of the Trust's central services - HR, finance, estates and IT - I could not have asked for more.
"I'm also grateful to Executive Principal Andrew Clark for his ongoing support."
Theddlethorpe was rated 'good' across all areas: quality of education; behaviour and attitudes; personal development; leadership and management; and early years provision.
Leaders have "high expectations for all pupils", including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
"Staff help pupils to be well prepared for their next steps in education," the report says.
"The values of pride, achievement, confidence and effort are woven through school life. Pupils know and respect these values.
"Pupils enjoy attending school. They have positive relationships with staff and treat adults and one another with respect.
"Staff help pupils to think about their mental health and well-being."
Pupils feel safe and parents and carers hold the school in high regard.
Leaders have designed an ambitious curriculum and teachers work hard to make learning interesting.
Children in the early years get off to a good start and, in Key Stages 1 and 2, complete tasks and take pride in their work.
The report goes on: "Leaders work with their colleagues in other primary schools in the trust.
"Staff say they feel well-supported by leaders. They are proud to work at the school."
It was Mrs Cook's first Ofsted inspection as a headteacher.
"Overall, I found it to be a supportive, professional and organised process. I feel this successful outcome can be attributed to the thorough preparation by all in the Academy that took place prior to the event.
"Now we move forward and look at the ways we can improve further."
For Lincolnshire Gateway Trust, the judgment means its seven primary and secondary schools are rated either good or outstanding. They are Waltham Toll Bar, Cleethorpes, Louth, Somercotes, Reynolds and Pilgrim Academies.
Chief Executive Officer Martin Brown said: "Many congratulations to Sue and her senior leadership team who have shown absolute determination to raise educational standards.
"When the Trust took it on, the school was threatened with closure and struggling for numbers.
"Now we have a popular, vibrant and successful academy.
"The report shows it has a great curriculum, great leadership and it is a warm and caring school."
Investment in a new nursery and the purchase of a field to create an outdoor playing area had paid off, Mr Brown added.
Chair of governors at the school and of the Trust Board, Philip Bond, was delighted.
"It's a tremendous achievement for the Trust," he said.
"I am proud of the staff who have contributed to reaching the high standards reflected in the report.
"Initially, it was concerning about the low numbers we inherited. Now it is thriving and its long-term future guaranteed."
The full Ofsted report can be read below:
