NETTLESTONE and Newchurch Primary Schools have great reasons to celebrate as both schools retained their GOOD ratings by OfSTED recently.

Staff and governors are very proud that all judgements from their previous inspections have been retained and that safety has been praised as 'highly effective' in the schools which are part of a joined-up federation.

Inspectors noted that at Newchurch, ‘signs around the school say that safeguarding is a priority, and no one in school is in any doubt that this is the case’.

While at Nettlestone inspectors commented: "A pupil successfully summed up the views of many, saying, ‘This is a safe school and if you’ve got a problem you can talk to trustful adults’."

Kirsty Howarth, executive headteacher at the schools said: "These comments delighted leaders and governors who have worked relentlessly and rigorously to ensure all aspects of safeguarding are of the highest possible standard."

She added that she could not be more proud of the outcomes of both inspections, and that the similarities in the reports illustrate the impact of the teamwork and excellent practice that has been developed and shared across the federation over the past four and a half years.

She thanked over 200 parents from within the federation who took the time to register their thoughts and feelings about the schools and said this demonstrates the amazing support that each school receives.

Both schools were praised for supporting strong personal, social and emotional development, as well as helping to develop children’s resilience.

The inspectors praised the way children were encouraged to be involved in school life and how pupils are well prepared for life beyond school.

Miss Howarth says there are 'exciting times ahead' for the federation and thanked the hardworking staff and governing body who were praised as ‘determined and skillful’ by Ofsted.