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Samantha Brook

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Most of us spend our lives in the pursuit of Happiness. If you are among the many who are on that journey, then this book is what you need.

Clifford Road Primary School 'requires improvement' as rating downgraded by Ofsted

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Clifford Road Primary School in Ipswich 'requires improvement' across all areas according to its latest Ofsted inspection, dropping from its previous 'good' rating.

Why it matters: The inspection, carried out on 26 and 27 November 2024, marks a significant change for the school, which was previously rated 'good' in January 2014 and again in a short inspection in July 2019.

The big picture: The school, which has 436 pupils aged 3 to 11, was assessed across five key areas – all of which require improvement:

  • Quality of education

  • Behaviour and attitudes

  • Personal development

  • Leadership and management

  • Early years provision

Clifford Road Primary School in Ipswich
Clifford Road Primary School in Ipswich 'requires improvement' across all areas, according to its latest Ofsted inspectionOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

Key shortcomings: The report found that:

  • Teachers lack clarity on curriculum sequencing, leading to gaps in pupils' knowledge

  • Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) needs more rigour

  • New behaviour expectations are not consistently applied

  • Early years pupils need more opportunities to practice writing skills

  • Some pupils struggle with behaviour during lessons and social times

Yes, but: The inspection also highlighted some positives:

  • Pupils enjoy coming to school

  • Staff feel supported by new leadership

  • The school offers varied extracurricular activities, including sports, choir and music

  • Safeguarding arrangements are effective

What's next: The school has appointed a new headteacher, Cieran Dadds, who joined in September 2024. Early changes to mathematics and reading are showing "green shoots of improvement," according to inspectors.

The bottom line: While facing challenges across multiple areas, the school has begun implementing changes under new leadership and has effective safeguarding measures in place.

Samantha Brook

Get the book!

Most of us spend our lives in the pursuit of Happiness. If you are among the many who are on that journey, then this book is what you need.

Happiness Club by Samantha Brook

Today's supporter

Happiness Club

Drawing from her personal transformation journey, Samantha offers evidence-based coaching and holistic wellness services that address our community's growing mental health challenges.

With mounting pressures from the cost of living crisis and post-pandemic stress affecting many Ipswich residents, Samantha's work focuses on practical tools for building resilience and joy in everyday life.

Through one-to-one coaching, workshops, and workplace wellbeing programs, she helps individuals and organisations develop sustainable happiness practices.

Learn more

Billy McNicholl murder investigation continues as second suspect bailed

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Happiness Club

Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

Police are continuing their investigation into the death of William McNicholl as a teenage suspect becomes the second person to be released on bail. The 63-year-old was found dead at his Hawthorn Drive home on New Year's Day.

Why it matters: Two suspects have now been released on bail as Suffolk Constabulary's Major Investigation Team continues to investigate Mr McNicholl's death.

The big picture: A post-mortem examination revealed William McNicholl, known as Billy, died from head injuries and a stab wound.

William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog
William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog

Latest developments:

  • The 17-year-old boy arrested on Wednesday has been bailed with conditions until 17 March

  • He was questioned at Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for two days

  • A woman in her 50s, previously arrested on suspicion of murder, remains on bail until 9 April

What's next: Officers continue to appeal for witnesses to come forward with information about the case.

Bottom line: Anyone with information should contact police quoting reference 37/162/25, either through their Major Incident Portal or by calling 101. Anonymous reports can be made to Crimestoppers.

Samantha Brook

Get the book!

Most of us spend our lives in the pursuit of Happiness. If you are among the many who are on that journey, then this book is what you need.

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