Good rating and new pre-school make two reasons to celebrate at Hickling C of E VC Infant School
A village school is celebrating a successful year which has included a positive Ofsted result and the opening of a new pre-school.
Hickling C of E VC Infant School has been rated 'Good' by the government's education watchdog after an inspection earlier in 2017.
The school is part of a group called the Swallowtail Federation which also includes nearby Catfield Infants and Sutton Primary.
The executive headteachers of the federation, Jo Nutbeam and Julie Wones, said they both welcomed the result.
Ms Nutbeam said: 'It is a tribute to the staff, pupils, parents and governors at Hickling to receive praise from an Ofsted inspector.
'He clearly recognised Hickling offers excellent education standards but I am pleased he also recognised the special qualities of the school as a caring place at the heart of village life. We have worked very hard to ensure all the schools in our federation are rated as Good by Ofsted.'
Hickling Infant's head of school, Kat Arnold, said of the result: 'I am pleased all of the hard work by the staff and governors has been recognised by Ofsted.
'We are part of a close-knit community and enjoy working with our lovely pupils and their parents to make sure we deliver the best possible education.'
In a letter to the school, inspector John Lucas said: 'The leadership team has maintained the good quality of education in this small school since the previous inspection.
'You have successfully preserved the caring ethos which is valued by pupils and parents.
'Inspection evidence confirms that Hickling Infant School is one in which pupils' personal development and welfare are provided for well.
'There is a harmonious atmosphere in the school. Pupils respond well to clearly understood routines and display an infectious enthusiasm for their learning.
'You are rightly proud of pupils' behaviour.'
Hickling Infants opened its pre-school provision for children aged two to four in September.
The pre-school is fully integrated into the daily life of the school with children able to enjoy a hot lunch and weekly forest school sessions.
Has your school got something to celebrate? Email lauren.cope@archant.co.uk
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