Ofsted inspectors have praised Harleston Primary School for its provision of outstanding care, guidance and support, following their recent visit in January.

Ofsted inspectors have praised Harleston Primary School for its provision of outstanding care, guidance and support, following their recent visit in January.

This successfully underpins pupils' learning and supports their exceptional personal development, the inspectors said in their report.

Headteacher Roger Walsh's 'outstanding and inspirational leadership' provides the strong sense of spirituality that permeates the life and work of the school. Staff, pupils and regular volunteers take pride in working at Harleston Primary. Teamwork is a consistent feature throughout the school, which parents and the community hold in high esteem, and the capacity for further improvement is good.

Pupils love coming to school and demonstrate this with their good attendance and high participation in the exceptionally good range of extra-curricular activities on offer. Pupils have excellent attitudes to learning, and the principal reasons are that the curriculum is interesting and relevant, and it is delivered by enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff.

Pupils achieve well because teaching is good and on occasions outstanding. Standards are above average in reading, writing and mathematics in Year 2 and in English, mathematics and science at Year 6. In information and communication technology (ICT) standards are also above average.

Relationships are excellent and pupils know they are valued as individuals. Behaviour is almost always outstanding, except on those occasions when there is too little for pupils to do in the playgrounds. However, at all times, pupils demonstrate great respect for one

another. Community cohesion is excellent.

The school is at the heart of its community and has strong links with schools in other countries. Older pupils, particularly, make an excellent contribution to school life and the wider community, taking on responsibilities in classes and the school with great enthusiasm.

Leadership and management are good and, as a result, there has been a good improvement since the last inspection.

Lead inspector Cheryl Thompson said in a letter to the children: 'Your school is successful, not only because of what the adults bring to it, but also because of your contributions. You are very positive about learning and we were very impressed with your

excellent behaviour, and how welcoming you are to visitors.'