A HEADTEACHER is delighted after a recent inspection found children loved coming to school.

Ofsted inspectors were impressed by Firthmoor  Primary School, in Darlington, when they visited just before the Christmas holidays.

A recently public report praised pupils and staff and said parents were keen to praise it.

It was given a rating of “good” following the two-day inspection.

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Headteacher Ann Dixon said: “We’re delighted that the Ofsted report recognised that pupils achieve well and are happy in our school.

“Staff and governors are proud to provide quality education at Firthmoor.”

The report praised pupils for being polite, kind and helpful and for their good behaviour.

It said: “Pupils love their school and feel proud to be part of it. Leaders have created a calm, caring atmosphere.

 Parents are keen to praise the school. One represented the views of many when they commented, ‘It’s a fantastic school. They do lots for the children and there are great after-school clubs.’

“Leaders are well supported by committed staff who feel proud to work at Firthmoor. Adults are ambitious for pupils and pupils achieve well as a result.”

The school in Ingleby Moor Crescent has just over 300 pupils. 

Following the pandemic, the school has prioritised pupils’ well-being and mental health, inspectors said.

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They also found staff morale was high and teachers and support staff felt privileged to work there.

To improve, the school needs to do more to enable children to develop a “suitable understanding of fundamental British values”.

The report said: “Leaders should review the curriculum to ensure that pupils are provided with sufficient opportunities to learn about democracy, individual liberty, the rule of law and respect and tolerance for those with different protected characteristics.”

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