Hintlesham and Chattisham Church of England Primary School, located in Suffolk, was inspected on November 21 and 22, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with consistent ratings of good across various categories including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The headteacher, Deborah Jackson, leads the school, which is part of the St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocesan Multi Academy Trust. This trust is overseen by CEO Jane Sheat and a board of trustees chaired by Tom Brooke.
The school has not been inspected previously as an academy due to legal exemptions until November 2020. The current inspection reflects the latest educational framework and considers any changes since the last graded inspection of the predecessor school, which was rated outstanding in January 2009. Pupils at the school express happiness and enjoyment in their learning environment. They are described as polite, welcoming, and well-behaved, engaging in creative play and themed learning sessions that enhance their educational experience. The school fosters a supportive atmosphere where older pupils assist younger ones, promoting a sense of community.
The curriculum is designed to meet the interests and needs of the pupils, emphasizing diversity and cultural understanding. Pupils demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental issues, actively participating in initiatives such as writing to their local MP about traffic concerns. They receive education on road safety and online safety, contributing to their overall sense of security within the school. The school promotes a broad understanding of different cultures and historical events, enriching the pupils' knowledge and perspectives.
While the school has high expectations for pupil achievement, it has identified that writing skills are not as well developed as those in reading and mathematics. Some pupils struggle with letter formation and punctuation, which affects their writing fluency. The school is implementing strategies to improve writing instruction, although it is too early to assess the impact of these changes. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are well supported, with their needs identified promptly and effectively, allowing them to make strong progress.
The early years provision is strong, with teachers focusing on individual children's next steps in learning. Activities designed to build confidence in writing are in place, and children have opportunities to practice essential skills through play. The school is well-led, with staff feeling valued and part of a cohesive team. They appreciate the professional development opportunities available through the multi-academy trust, which also allows pupils to participate in broader activities.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school has recognized the need to enhance writing instruction to improve overall writing quality across the curriculum. The inspection team conducted a thorough evaluation, including discussions with school leaders, teachers, and pupils, as well as reviewing curriculum plans and pupils' work. The school opened as an academy in March 2018 and has since focused on maintaining high educational standards while adapting to the needs of its pupils. The next inspection of the school's religious character is scheduled for 2026-27, and the school continues to strive for excellence in its educational offerings.
