A two-day inspection took place at the end of September, with all aspects of life at the school coming under examination. The school received ‘Good’ gradings across all categories with the notable exception of Early Years Provision, where it was deemed to be ‘Outstanding’.

Joe Hawkins, Headteacher, said: “This superb result is testament to the tireless work and dedication of our staff, parents and carers and, of course, our wonderful pupils who make us all so proud every day. 

“While any Ofsted result doesn’t define us as a school, it is incredibly rewarding to see the fruits of our hard work reflected in the report, particularly when concerning our pupils’ positive attitudes to learning and general wellbeing. Creating an inclusive, happy school where everyone can flourish is our continued goal and we are pleased that this report evidences the many ways in which we achieve that.”

The report describes a school with a ‘calm and orderly environment’ which results from the positive staff-pupil relationships and the respectful behaviour of the pupils. The school’s community of parents and carers are supportive of the school and ‘speak highly of the wider opportunities the school provides for its pupils to learn’, with one parent describing it as ‘a fantastic school where my children have thrived’.

The school’s efforts to create the right conditions for academic achievement were praised by inspectors, with the report stating that ‘there is an ambition at this school that pupils will achieve well’ and that ‘the school, working with the multi-academy trust, has created a broad and ambitious curriculum’ which is delivered well by teaching staff. 

This includes support for SEND pupils, with the report highlighting how ‘through precise and regular checks on their learning, the school makes sure these pupils reach their full potential’ and that ‘staff adapt how they teach so that pupils with SEND build their knowledge.’

The ‘Outstanding’ Early Years Provision also received praise for giving children a ‘strong and secure start in the early years’ and making sure children are ‘prepared exceptionally well for Year 1.’

The report detailed the school’s focus on whole-school literacy, and how its strong phonics programme, regular teaching support and intervention for pupils who are struggling and investment in high quality texts means that ‘pupils develop a love of reading’. The personal development opportunities for all pupils, including learning about different faiths, fundraising and supporting their local community, were also commended. 

Since joining Infinity Academies Trust in 2022, the school has gone from strength to strength. Little Gonerby became an all-through primary school this September, there has also been significant investment in refurbishment of the school buildings and a brand-new outdoor learning space for Early Years pupils and an exciting new playground have recently been completed. 

Gavin Booth, CEO of Infinity Academies Trust, added: “The pupils and staff at Little Gonerby truly exemplify our Trust vision of creating a community where everyone is ready to learn and prepared to flourish. 

"It has been a pleasure to lead this school through an exciting time of investment and transformation and to see it grow into an all-through primary school for the benefit of the local community."

Little Gonerby CE Primary is currently offering tours for prospective pupils and parents looking for school places for September 2024. Please call 01476 564112 for further information.