PRIMARY school pupils and staff are celebrating a successful Ofsted inspection highlighting Outstanding features in the school’s leadership and Early Years provision.

Inspectors made their first visit to Northwood Primary School, in Darlington, since it became part of the Lingfield Education Trust, assessing the school to be Good overall.

The Northern Echo:

HAPPY: Northwood Primary School pupils celebrate Ofsted success

The site, on Pendleton Road South, was rated Good for quality of teaching, learning and assessment, outcomes for children and personal development behaviour and welfare.

Ofsted inspectors, who visited the school last month, praised staff for their “uncompromising drive for excellence” and found that pupils aged three to 11 felt “happy” and “safe” in their school environment.

Within a report published by lead inspector Diane Buckle, Ofsted stated: “Leaders place a high priority on promoting pupils’ physical and mental well-being.

“They ensure that those pupils who need it have access to a range of additional services to provide the guidance and support they need.

“This is a strength of the school and is greatly appreciated by parents. As one parent told inspectors, ‘I love this school. I don’t want my child to leave.’

“This view is endorsed by all the parents who responded to Ofsted’s online survey, Parent View, who would recommend the school to others.”

Inspectors particularly praised Northwood’s headteacher, Zoe Beach, remarking that she has “boundless energy and passion for ensuring that pupils get the ‘best deal’”.

Ms Beach said: “This was our first Ofsted inspection since becoming part of Lingfield Education Trust and we are so proud of the feedback we have had.

“It is a true testament to the hard work of the staff team, our pupils, parents and community.

“At Northwood we strive for excellence and care about our children getting the best outcomes possible.

“We have a strong focus on promoting positive behaviour, physical and mental wellbeing and literacy and numeracy skills and will continue to nurture our children to ensure they thrive now, and in the future.”

Lingfield Education Trust is a Multi-Academy Trust comprising of seven schools across Darlington, Teesside and North Yorkshire.