Hythe Primary School celebrates 'good' Ofsted rating with inspectors praising its inclusive and caring nature

HYTHE Primary School is celebrating a ‘good’ rating from Ofsted having previously been told it ‘requires improvement’.

The facility in School Road, which teaches 273 pupils aged between four and 11, was assessed on 18th-19th October, with inspectors praising its inclusive and caring nature.

It was previously visited in 2019 when it was marked as ‘requires improvement’ – the second lowest score of four.

The new report said: “Hythe is a caring, inclusive school and pupils enjoy coming here. They are proud that their school ensures that everyone is welcomed and made to feel like they belong.

“Leaders have high aspirations for all pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.”

Head teacher Charlotte Peppard told the A&T: “We are very pleased with the outcome of our latest Ofsted inspection, particularly that the inclusive, caring nature of our school was identified so clearly.

“The outcome is testament to the hard work of the whole staff team, ensuring that all changes made over the last few years have led to positive outcomes for pupils.

“We will continue to strive for the very best opportunities and outcomes for all of our pupils.”

According to the Ofsted report, staff have high expectations of pupils’ behaviour and they follow “golden rules” which encourage them to always do their best.

It said pupils are enthusiastic about the many leadership opportunities afforded to them and relish the responsibility to help make Hythe a better place for all.

Examples included eco-councillors encouraging careful use of electricity and monitoring how well each class is doing.

A broad curriculum is in place to provide all pupils with opportunities to learn through a thematic approach and the library is used well to motivate and encourage pupils to read.

Teachers identify and support pupils who need extra help to read, the report added.

The inspectors found that pupils with special educational needs or disabilities quickly have their needs identified and staff provide a variety of resources so that all pupils can learn well.

The report added: “The ethos of the school is underpinned by the school’s motto of ‘be inspired’. Pupils can explore their interests in many ways.

“One child spoke positively about how instrumental lessons helped them to settle into Hythe after arriving as a refugee.”

Leaders provide disadvantaged pupils with resource bags containing items and activities, which pupils said helped them to learn at home. Forest Week encouraged pupils to learn new skills, such as outdoor cooking.