Dear Parents

I am writing to you on behalf of all the Governors of Sugar Hill Primary School. As you will be aware this week saw the publication of the schools Ofsted report which I hope you have had chance to read.

We are very proud as you should be of the excellent results. Your children proactively contributed to the inspection informing the inspectors and demonstrating their knowledge and experience of school. These were noted in the report:

They work hard and concentrate on their learning. Many pupils achieve the

high standards expected of them.

*Pupils behave with maturity. ‘Mini police’ look after other pupils during breaktimes.

*Pupils support each other in their learning and during social times. They respect and care for each other.

*Pupils learn important values, such as working collaboratively through a range of curriculum projects. Connections with Durham University and local businesses enhance pupils’ learning experiences.

*Pupils enjoy reading from the wide range of books available. Pupils learn to read fluently.

*Pupils collaborate extremely well to achieve success in their learning.

*They make democratic decisions, such as agreeing and choosing which vegetables to grow through projects such as planting a vegetable garden. 

*Pupils show a deep understanding of human rights. As one pupil rightly said, ‘Don’t judge somebody because you don’t know their whole life story.’ 

The report also recognises the skills, experience and support of the teaching team and the school leaders.

*in the early years, staff have exceptionally high expectations for children to learn and broaden their experiences of life. 

*The school’s strong vision for meeting the needs of pupils is shaped around preparing pupils for life in modern Britain. 

*Teachers provide opportunities for pupils to remember important knowledge 

*Staff have expert knowledge and teach the school’s phonics programme well.

*The curriculum and provision for children in the early years is exemplary. Highly skilled staff support children in all areas of learning. 

*The school identifies the special educational needs and/or disabilities of pupils effectively.

*Staff use expert knowledge and advice from external professionals, such as speech and language therapists, to adapt provision and provide individualised support for pupils. 

*Leaders have worked diligently to ensure that classrooms are positive learning environments. 

*Leaders on all levels work tirelessly to ensure their ambitious vision for all is fulfilled.

*Staff receive purposeful and high-quality professional development. 

*Staff expertise is shared more widely to benefit other schools in the local authority.

The feedback we were given at the time of the inspection was that it was exemplary in many ways and this report only captures a very small amount of what was seen and commented on by the inspectors. The team are already working on the suggestion for improvement which was part of their long-term plan for this year.

Please take the time to reflect on the report.