POLITE and well-mannered pupils who enjoy learning have been praised by Ofsted after an inspection. 

Abacus Primary School, in Tresco Way, Wickford, earned a “good” rating – the second highest possible grade – after an inspection on March 8 and 9.

Inspectors were quick to praise the children, as well as praising school leaders for regularly taking pupils to “read to members of the community suffering with dementia”. 

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The report, published on May 5, stated: “Pupils are proud of their school and enjoy learning.

“Pupils celebrate the differences between themselves and others at Abacus Primary and see these as a real strength. They have frequent opportunities to develop their interests and character.

“Pupils take part in visits to meet famous authors, they raise funds for local charities and read to members of the local community suffering with dementia.

These experiences prepare pupils to be good citizens.”

At the time of the inspection there were 415 pupils at the school, all aged between four and 11.

The report added: “Although bullying is rare, pupils know how to turn to adults for help.

“Adults keep pupils safe in school and support them if they have worries or issues.

“There are wellbeing clubs in the morning for pupils to attend.

“Visitors speak to pupils about how to keep themselves safe online.

“Pupils work hard in class and do their best. They achieve well and enjoy their time in school.

“The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The school’s safeguarding team swiftly identifies pupils who are at risk. They work with local services to ensure that they are safe.”

Abacus Primary School was also previously rated “good” at the last inspection in 2016.

Despite all the praise from Ofsted, there was still room for further improvement.

Ofsted stated: “Leaders have given priority to developing English and mathematics in the curriculum. Subject leaders in other subjects are not always given enough opportunity to develop teachers’ subject knowledge and skills.

“As a result, the curriculum in these areas is not as well developed.

“Leaders need to ensure that opportunities to improve teachers’ knowledge and skills through training and monitoring are identified, planned and provided.”