Croyland Primary School has been praised for its ‘ambitious' leadership, SEND provision and strong curriculum after an inspection before the summer break.

Ofsted inspectors who visited the school in Croyland Road, Wellingborough on June 9 noted its positive environment and close working relationship between teachers and parents and carers.

The report reads: “Croyland Primary School is a special place to be. Leaders want all pupils to be 'warm, safe, nourished and happy'.

"This starts right from the beginning of the day. Pupils are warmly welcomed into school. They settle quickly and are eager to share 'book time' in the library. Parents and carers value the commitment and care that staff demonstrate.

Croyland Primary School was praised by Ofsted inspectors during a visit in June

placeholder image — Croyland Primary School was praised by Ofsted inspectors during a visit in June

"One parent explained, in a view shared by many, that staff and leaders 'go more than the extra mile' for pupils and their families. Unsurprisingly, parental support for the school is high.”

Croyland Primary is meeting the expected standards in curriculum and teaching, early years provision, inclusion, leadership and governance and personal development and well-being, though achievement and attendance and behaviour need attention.

The school, which currently has 414 students on the roll, had been told it requires improvement during a full inspection in 2018, however in 2021 inspectors noted the school had seen significant improvements, which it has maintained during its inspection in June.

The report says parents admire the school’s approachability, that the school effectively teaches the importance of pupils respecting each other and that safeguarding standards are met. At Croyland Primary children are ‘nurtured well, and become confident and resilient individuals.’

While the report notes that ‘levels of absence are high’, it also notes that more is being done to improve attendance rates, including working with families to help them understand the importance of attendance.

The report adds: “Leaders know which pupils do not attend as often as they should. They work with families to help them understand the importance of attendance. Leaders liaise with other professionals to make sure that pupils' absence, for example through appointments, is minimised. Recently, this has begun to make a difference.”

Read the full report here.