Include Norfolk achieves ‘good’ Ofsted rating 18 months after being …
A school in Norfolk has been rated "good" by Ofsted inspectors. Include Norfolk, an independent day school with two sites, one in Norwich[1] and another in King's Lynn[2], was visited by inspectors in May having been told improvements were required in 2021.
The latest Ofsted inspection report, which has just been released, recognises the progress made by Include Norfolk in recent years, applauding the school's commitment to excellence and its positive impact on students' educational journeys. The "good" grading, staff say, is a testament to the dedication of the school's talented staff, diligent students, supportive parents, and committed provider Catch22.
The report highlights several key strengths including the outstanding quality of teaching, the exceptional progress made by students across various subjects, the nurturing and inclusive school environment, and the strong partnerships forged with parents and the wider community. The report states: "Pupils are supported well to value their potential and meet the high expectations of them. Pupils are determined to be successful in adult life and are well-prepared for their next steps in education or training."
Head teacher of Include Norfolk, Phil Hinchliffe, said: “This achievement is not solely the result of the efforts of our teaching staff, but also the support and engagement of our incredible students and the trust and collaboration of our parents and carers. Together, we have created a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where every pupil feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.
"The rating reinforces Include Norfolk’s commitment to delivering a broad and balanced curriculum, providing enriching extracurricular opportunities, and fostering a culture of high aspirations and academic achievement. While we celebrate this achievement, we also recognise that there is always room for improvement. Our commitment to excellence and continuous progress remains unwavering. We will build upon this success to further enhance the educational experiences and outcomes for our students.”
Lisa Smitherman, Strategic Director of Justice and Education at Catch22, said: “We are immensely proud of Include Norfolk’s 'Good' Ofsted rating, which is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our exceptional staff, students, and school community. This achievement reflects our commitment to providing an outstanding education and nurturing environment that empowers our students to thrive. We celebrate this milestone as a steppingstone towards even greater success and excellence in education within Catch22."
To improve further school leaders have been asked to clarify exactly how teachers will teach spelling so pupils learn how to spell accurately. The report also states some pupils are absent from school frequently, leading to them missing vital learning time. Leaders have been urged to develop even more effective ways of ensuring all pupils maintain regular attendance at the school.
The full report is available to read here[4].
Include Norfolk provides alternative education to students aged between 14 and 16 and supports those who have been excluded from mainstream education.
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References
- ^ Norwich (www.norfolklive.co.uk)
- ^ King's Lynn (www.norfolklive.co.uk)
- ^ Norwich city centre police station closes to the public (www.norfolklive.co.uk)
- ^ here (www.includenorfolk.org.uk)