Parents and pupils alike have come together to praise a “unique and nurturing” Sidcup school upgraded from ‘requires improvement’ to ‘good’ by Ofsted.

Hope Community School in Sidcup was most recently inspected by Ofsted on May 17 and 18.

Inspectors were impressed by the improvements made since the school’s last full inspection back in May 2019, when it was rated as “requires improvement”.

Ofsted reported that pupils are “proud members of the school community” and that they like how well everyone knows one another at Hope Community School.

Behaviour was found to be “calm and orderly” and children who need help with their behaviour were found to be receiving support by well-trained members of staff.

Extracurricular activities available are an aspect of the school that pupils love, according to Ofsted.

Inspectors said that there are numerous clubs on offer such as art, chess, choir and drama.

Ofsted reported that leaders have made sure the school’s curriculum is “coherently planned and sequenced” and that it has been designed carefully to be “ambitious” for all pupils, including those with special education needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Staff at this school were found to be receiving regular, subject specific training and inspectors said that they “teach all subjects with confidence”.

Reading has been found to be a priority at the school and that reading is promoted right from when children join in Reception.

Health is emphasised at Hope Community School, with pupils being taught the importance of keeping physically and mentally healthy as well as having healthy relationships.

Inspectors found parents and carers to be “overwhelmingly positive” about the school.

After receiving the inspection result, three-year-old Eli said:”Hope is like one big family.

“We all look out for each other and celebrate all of our differences.

“It’s a place where dreams come true.”

Principal of Hope Community School, Sara Donnelly, took over as headteacher in September 2022.

She said: “We are absolutely delighted with the result.

“The whole team has worked incredibly hard and we are very proud that this has been acknowledged by Ofsted.

“As Principal I am very passionate about investing in the whole child and ensuring there is a curriculum in place which is adventurous, engaging and ambitious.

“Here at Hope, children experience an exciting array of outdoor learning sessions, trips and lessons which captures their imaginations and allows them to thrive!”

She added that the school has justh been awared the ECO Schools Certificate with merit.

Julian Nelson, a parent at Hope Community School, said: “Hope Community School is a wonderfully unique and nurturing school that always puts the children and families first.

“It has been such a journey for this small but mighty school over the past 10 years, and finally it has the recognition it deserves.

“Our children are, and have always been, very happy at Hope, with lots of friends, fabulous teachers and a great learning environment.

“It’s also such a diverse and inclusive school so the children are really learning the foundations of becoming global citizens.

“From meadow school, trips to London to outreach in the community and so much more, Hope is a little beacon of light in the community.”

Paul Western, Vice Chair of Trustees, said: “It’s fantastic that the school has been recognised as a good school by Ofsted.

“The leadership of Hope Community School and staff have done an excellent job to continue to realise the original vision for the school.

“It’s a place where children feel safe and are encouraged to reach their full potential.”