A NEW headteacher has said he is very proud to lead such an “amazing team” after his school was rated Good across all categories.

Itchen Abbas Primary School, in School Lane, has been awarded Good by Ofsted following an inspection before Christmas.

The school was praised for its  safeguarding, behaviour, trips and visitors which enrich learning, reading skills and new leadership team which has introduced “a refreshed enthusiasm”.

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The report, published this month, reads: “Itchen Abbas is an inclusive school that cares deeply about its pupils. The school’s ambition of ‘growing hearts and minds’ is reflected in the high-quality support that pupils receive from all staff.

“Pupils enjoy attending this warm, friendly and caring school. The staff know all of the pupils well. Pupils are secure in the knowledge that any concerns or worries are listened and responded to. This helps them to feel safe.

Hampshire Chronicle: Itchen Abbas Primary School celebrates 'Good' OfstedItchen Abbas Primary School celebrates 'Good' Ofsted (Image: Kevin Milner)

“The school has high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Nurturing staff make learning engaging and memorable. Pupils work hard and this enables them to usually achieve well across the curriculum. Older pupils proudly act as role models, supporting others by leading games, serving lunch, and walking younger children to church. Pupils are familiar with the school rules of ‘Be Ready, Be Respectful, Be Safe’.

“The school rules are well known by all pupils, and they understand why they are important. From the moment pupils start school in Reception, staff establish clear rules and routines and model their high expectations constantly.”

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The only area for improvement given in the report was to ensure that staff design tasks suited to the curriculum, which “precisely focus on the important knowledge and skills they intend pupils to learn and remember over time”.

Rob Bogan, headteacher, said: “I am very proud to be the Headteacher of Itchen Abbas Primary School and I am incredibly grateful to the amazing team who work here – everyone goes above and beyond every single day for every child and I am so pleased that Ofsted has recognised this. This was the first graded inspection that Itchen Abbas has had for many years and the report identifies many of our strengths. Anyone interested in joining our nurturing school should contact us to arrange a tour.”

The primary school currently has 74 pupils aged four to 11. Mr Bogan took over as headteacher in April, with this being his first inspection at Itchen Abbas. More than half of the staff have changed since the school’s previous inspection in 2018.

The school has consistently been rated as ‘Good’.