STAFF and pupils at a school near Droitwich are celebrating a sparkling report from education watchdogs, Ofsted.

Ombersley Endowed First School, off Droitwich Road, has been hailed for its standards of teaching and learning and for its good relationship between the school and the parents.

Inspectors visited the school for three days in November and deemed the quality of teaching consistently good, where the pupils achieve well. They noted too, the school's popularity among both children and parents.

Headteacher Gill Nixon's good leadership skills and the strong governing body were highlighted also. The staff's commitment to inclusion was also praised and their ability to help pupils of varying ability achieve their best.

The report says: 'The headteacher promotes good leadership and a very good ethos. She and the teaching team work very hard to create a dynamic curriculum so pupils enjoy their learning and develop well as people.'

Confirmed

Vice-chairman of governors Liz Hooper is delighted: "Many of us have known for a long time that this is a great school with an excellent teaching staff, but it's nice to have it confirmed by those 'powers that be.'"

Area inspectors highlighted for improvement include more support for younger pupils who find discussions and sustained concentration difficult and improvements to the building, to provide better opportunities for Physical Education.

The report also recommended that the school provides extra resources for Information and Communication Technology.

Headteacher Gill Nixon said that a new staff room and offices were in the process of being built, which would free up some space. A new school hall is another possibility. Four new PCs have also been ordered.

Gill added: "The report was absolutely wonderful and praised everyone, the teachers, the parents, governors and children.

"The fact the report praised the child's development as a whole and not just their academic ability is exactly what I came into teaching for.

"I'm delighted with the report and it was very well deserved by everyone."

by LISA HERITAGE