The Ofsted inspection took place on 11 November 2021 at the coastal school near Cromer.
The school ethos ‘Happy Children Learn’ was evident throughout the inspection with inspectors noting that this ‘shining light’ ethos is reflected by the pupils; smiling friendly faces. The last inspection, which was also Good, took place in 2016.
Titus Cotton, Headteacher at The Belfry said: “We have an amazing set of children, parents and family, staff and governors, and have received excellent support from the County and the Diocese – I am glad that Ofsted recognise us as a Good school. We have worked so hard on making sure our school is consistent across the year groups; that pupils are challenged and we have the highest expectations of them. There is a big world out there and we want our children to be resilient, confident and independent. We believe that Happy Children Learn, and our website is filled with videos of our children enjoying school – I hope people take a look.”
What is it like to be a Belfry pupil? The report shared that they are respectful of others, are kind and helpful and have good relationships with each other, they feel happy and safe and are proud to attend school. Being a Belfry pupil is also lots of fun with lots of clubs, activities including weekly skateboarding lessons and a very special musical relationship with The Belfry Arts Centre next door in the old school, built in 1830.
Happy Children Learn is more than an ethos statement, it is the way that the school understands children and how children understand each other and the world around them. The school’s two core values are Compassion and Perseverance and these are expressed throughout the school. The next step for the school is to build towards realising their vision which includes the line: ‘We strive to be the best we can be in an ever-changing world.’
