Abbeyfields First School Celebrates a Positive Ofsted Inspection

Abbeyfields First School in Morpeth is celebrating the outcome of its recent positive Ofsted inspection, which highlighted the school’s many strengths and the dedication of its staff, pupils and their wider school community.

Following an inspection in December 2024, the school received strong ratings across many key areas.

The quality of education, behaviour, attitudes, leadership and management were all rated as ‘Good’, and personal development and their early years provision achieved the top rating of ‘Outstanding’. 

Abbeyfields Headteacher, Sandra Ford, expressed her pride in the school’s achievements, stating:

"Abbeyfields has transformed since our last inspection in 2015 and we are delighted that the many strengths of our school were recognised in our recent Ofsted report. Our values of respect, excellence, kindness and responsibility shone throughout the process and were demonstrated by all. The children were exemplary in their attitudes and behaviour, as they always are. We are so proud of them. We are incredibly lucky to have an outstanding staff team, who are dedicated and hard-working, always striving for the very best for the children. On behalf of the children and staff, I would also like to acknowledge the wonderful support and challenge we have from our School Governing Board, the CEO and the wider Trust team. Finally, thank you to our parents and carers for entrusting your children to us and for your commitment to working with us to achieve the very best for them which is always our ultimate goal." 

The report praised the school for creating a welcoming and happy environment for all, where pupils feel safe and valued. Inspectors noted that pupils are polite and demonstrate self-control and respect for both staff and their peers. The school’s commitment to academic excellence was also recognised, with Ofsted mentioning the well-structured curriculum and strong support provided for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Abbeyfields First School’s personal development curriculum was identified as a key strength, with pupils given plenty of opportunities to explore leadership roles, engage in extracurricular activities and develop their understanding of inclusivity and diversity. The school’s approach to reading was also highlighted in the report, as they ensure that children develop strong literacy skills from an early age.

The leadership team was praised for its effective management and commitment to continuous improvement. While Ofsted noted some areas where curriculum monitoring could be slightly improved, the overall assessment solidified Abbeyfields’ reputation as a high-performing and nurturing educational establishment. 

With this positive report, Abbeyfields First School looks forward to continuing its journey of excellence, ensuring that every pupil at their school receives the best possible start to their education!

To learn more about Abbeyfields First School, visit https://afs.cheviotlt.co.uk/.