Outstanding Sunderland primary is top of the class

Lambton Primary School has been rated as outstanding following a recent inspection.

Amanda Defty, headteacher at the Washington school, said: “We are thrilled with the findings. The outstanding judgement is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of every pupil and member of staff.

“Lambton Primary School has a remarkable team who work tirelessly together to ensure every child feels safe and happy and has the best possible education.

“The comments made by the inspector captured the ethos of the school and the high expectations and standards, which permeate every aspect of school life.”

Claire Spencer, deputy headteacher and curriculum lead at the Caradoc Close school, said: “I am extremely pleased that the children’s hard work and enjoyment of the curriculum was acknowledged by the inspector.”

And Coun Linda Williams, chairman of governors at the school, said: “I am delighted that the report recognises all staff and governors’ absolute conviction and passion for ensuring all pupils achieve well.

“Our children are an absolute delight to be around and together we make our school community.”

The school was judged to be outstanding in September 2008 and inspectors said it continues to be outstanding.

They said: “The leadership team has maintained the outstanding quality of education in the school since the last inspection. The inspiration you bring as headteacher has fostered a culture of high expectations, where potential barriers to learning are addressed and a ‘can do’ approach informs every action.

“The whole-school ethos is one of raising aspirations for all and is underpinned by a dogged determination to eradicate second best. It is easy to see why the school’s motto, ‘Believe to Achieve’, is so apt.”

Inspectors said pupils respond well to the high expectations of staff and this is seen in their exemplary attitudes to learning in lessons.

They said: “They produce an impressive quality of work and behave impeccably around school. Pupils’ strong relationships with adults remain a key strength of your highly inclusive school.

“Pupils enjoy their learning, and the vast majority work conscientiously. They have a clear understanding of which aspects of behaviour help them to learn, and which behaviours get in the way.”