CELEBRATIONS have doubled at a Herefordshire school this month, after the release of its most recent Ofsted report coincided with a milestone birthday.

It was forty years ago this month that what was then the Hereford Waldorf School opened on the site in Much Dewchurch, thanks to the hard work and dedication of a group of parents and supporters who were determined that children in the area should have the option of a school based on Steiner principles.

Over the years the school thrived and fifteen years ago this month opened the doors of the Steiner Academy Hereford, offering a creative curriculum to even more children, this time on a non-fee-paying basis.

In the latest Ofsted inspection, published this week, the school has retained its rating of ‘good’ but has had many areas judged ‘Outstanding’.

This includes the provision for early years, behaviour and attitudes, and personal development.

Inspectors, who visited the school in July, noted that pupils wanted to learn and praised their positive attitudes and exemplary behaviour.

The curriculum was found to be well thought out, while teachers took many opportunities to develop and challenge pupils’ knowledge and understanding, and said they felt very well supported by leaders.

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The report said the school could improve by better supporting pupils in the earliest stages of the lower school to make links to their previous learning.

The links between the kindergarten curriculum and the curriculum in the earliest stages of lower school should be strengthened to reduce the variations in how pupils learn and remember their key knowledge and skills, inspectors said.

Principal Kate Andrews said: “This is our best Ofsted report yet and I’m delighted that it comes just as we celebrate these important anniversaries for our school.

"The areas recognised as outstanding are evidence of how well the school serves children from age 3 all the way up to age 16. They highlight what is really important to our school- that the children enjoy a rich and diverse curriculum and build strong, nurturing relationships with our staff. It’s also a testament to all the hard work and dedication from our staff and school community.”