A HEREFORDSHIRE school is celebrating after receiving a 'good' Ofsted report.

Inspectors were impressed with many aspects of Withington Primary School, near Hereford, and found that ‘pupils come into school each day full of curiosity and excitement about what they are going to learn’.

They added that they ‘enjoy thinking hard in lessons’ and that the school’s leaders ‘know all pupils and their families well, with the staff describing the primary school as a ‘family’.

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In addition, inspectors noted that the pupils’ learning is enriched by well-chosen trips and visits, and that because it is ensured that all pupils can go on two residential trips while at the school, they ‘develop independence and resilience’ as well as enjoying new experiences.

Academically, the school’s leaders were praised for putting a ‘well-considered curriculum in place’ and for having thought carefully about what pupils ‘should know and when they should learn it’.

Hereford Times: Sarah Houchen, a teacher at Withington Primary School, and a small group of children look through the classroom's photo album. Sarah Houchen, a teacher at Withington Primary School, and a small group of children look through the classroom's photo album. (Image: Rob Davies)

In lessons, pupils were found to be ‘engaged and eager to learn’ and it was noted that, throughout the school, teachers make sure pupils know how to manage their own behaviour.

Special mention was given to the way pupils with SEND (special educational needs) were identified quickly and then given the extra help needed. Importantly, the children with speech and learning difficulties have lots of opportunities to speak and play with other children in ways ‘that help them to develop their language skills’.

The report, did however, highlught some minor areas for improvement which are already being addressed, such as ensuring the curriculum in less established subjects continues to build securely and developing the phonics scheme still further.

Hereford Times: Sarah Houchen, teacher at Withington Primary School, reads a book to children from the reception class.Sarah Houchen, teacher at Withington Primary School, reads a book to children from the reception class. (Image: Rob Davies)

It was the school's first Ofsted inspection since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Executive headteacher, Simon Robertson, said: “We are all delighted by this news and the good rating is richly deserved by everyone at the school.

"It is very pleasing to read that the inspectors recognised how happy children at Withington Primary School are and what excellent opportunities they are offered across all areas.

“I’d like to thank every single member of staff for all the hard work they put in and I’d also like to thank our families in the school community for the support they offer too.

“We will continue to strive for improvements where required to ensure that Withington offers the best possible education to its pupils and I’ve absolutely no doubt the school will only go from strength to strength in the future.”