HAYWARD’S Primary School in Crediton is “the heartbeat of the community” and “highly inclusive”, Ofsted has said after its most recent inspection.

The education watchdog visited the 399-pupil school on March 3. It found it met its expected standard across the areas of achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, early years and leadership and governance. It rated the school’s commitment to inclusion and personal development and wellbeing as “strong”.

In particular, Ofsted was full of praise for Hayward’s efforts to meet the needs of SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) pupils, and said leaders have a “forensic” oversight of children from disadvantaged backgrounds and prioritise them so they have “every opportunity to flourish”.

“There is a palpable expectation in the school that all pupils will be successful,” a spokesperson for Ofsted said.

“Pupils enjoy coming to school and are proud to be part of the family that is ‘Hayward’s community’.

“Pupils know that staff care about them deeply, and they do. Pupils feel happy and safe. They know what to do if they feel at risk of harm.

“Pupils are confident that staff respond swiftly to any concerns they may have. They say that bullying is rare, but when it does happen, it is quickly addressed.

“Staff set high expectations for behaviour. These are established quickly in the early years. Pupils throughout the school are polite and respectful.

“In lessons, they typically show positive attitudes to their learning. Pupils really enjoy their social times. They are joyous occasions.

“There is a high proportion of pupils with education, health and care plans. As a result, leaders have implemented a range of effective strategies, including an inclusion classroom, to support pupils with SEND.

“Similarly, pupils who are disadvantaged or those who are known or previously known to social care are catered for extensively.”

The education watchdog said that pupils at Hayward’s Primary School “achieve well”, leave school “ready for the next stage of their education” and are “well prepared for life in modern Britain”.

To improve, Ofsted said the school should “continue to raise its ambitions for what pupils can achieve across the curriculum, so that an increased proportion of pupils in key stage two achieve more highly”.

Hayward’s Primary School Headteacher Andy Smith said: “The report captures the hard work and commitment of the children and staff at school, as well as the close working relationship that we have our families, and the wider community.

“There is lots to be proud of. It also identifies areas that we will continue to work on in order to make Hayward's the best it can possibly be.”

Chair of Governors Nicola Frost added: “I couldn't be prouder of everyone in the Hayward's community.

“The commitment and hard work of the school's leaders is hugely valued.

“But what makes this a truly special place is the strength and warmth of the partnerships between pupils, families, staff and the wider community.”

You can read Hayward’s Primary School’s full Ofsted report online by visiting: reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/113069.