St Mary's CE Primary in Newchurch is judged as good with outstanding features by Ofsted

St Mary's CE Primary in Newchurch in Pendle received a glowing report from Ofsted, which judged behaviour and attitudes and personal development of pupils as outstanding. The other areas ­— quality of education, leadership and management and early years provision ­— were graded as good.

The academy is part of the Cidari Multi-Academy Trust.

Ofsted found: "Pupils love coming to school. They get to know each other well and build strong friendships. Staff

have high expectations of pupils.”

Inspectors noted that “pupils take great pride in their work” and that “relationships between pupils and staff are strong”.

They added: "There is a focus on developing pupils’ life-long love of learning."

Attendance rates of pupils are "consistently higher than those seen nationally".

Inspectors reported: "Pupils’ conduct is exemplary. They are extremely polite, respectful and caring of one another. Pupils told inspectors that bullying ‘does not happen here’ and that ‘we are all friends.’ Pupils work really well together in class."

Teachers health is also a priority with a member of the governing body recently appointed to focus on teachers’ workload and well-being.

"This work is at an early stage of development. The multi-academy trust has recently instigated one-to-one termly counselling sessions to support staff well-being," reported Ofsted.

Headteacher Pauline Nightingale said “The whole of the school community is extremely happy and proud of this fabulous outcome. We believe that it is a true reflection of all the hard work and dedication of the school's pupils, staff, parents, governors and the Cidari Trust. We are all looking forward to more exciting adventures

ahead.”

Cidari Multi Academy Trust Chief Operating Officer, Matt McIver added: "This is fantastic and well deserved. Since joining our Trust in 2017 as a sponsored academy, everyone involved with St Mary’s has worked tirelessly under the headship of Mrs Nightingale to achieve this outcome.

"Over two days the inspectors witnessed and acknowledged good and outstanding practice in a caring and friendly school community summed up by their comment that ‘there is a focus on developing pupils’ life-long love of learning’.

"This judgement is an affirmation of the effort and commitment by all the staff, pupils, governors and parents to raise standards and deliver the best possible education, outcomes, and life opportunities for our children.

"This inspection is the eighth consecutive Good judgement across our Cidari family of Academies. It reflects the culture and ethos of a Trust which recognises the distinctiveness and individuality of each of our academies, whilst delivering excellence by fostering strong collaboration, improvement and innovation through shared values.”