A FIRST and nursery school in Worcestershire has been told by government inspectors it’s a good school with outstanding features.

Wychbold First and Nursery School was given an overall rating of good by Ofsted inspectors following their recent visit.

Headteacher Rachel Hughes was found to be strongly supported by all the staff team, and said to provide a good sense of direction.

The report, carried out by Ofsted inspector Clive Lewis, said that pupils “achieve well in their time in the school, progressing steadily from broadly average standards on entry to the school, to above average standards by the end of year four.”

He said this was confirmed by the “significantly above average“ results achieved in the latest national tests for key stage one pupils.

Mr Lewis praised the children and the progress they make in lessons, saying they worked “hard and conscientiously, both independently and collaboratively, without the need for constant adult intervention”.

He also said that pupils’ progress was tracked well to make sure that none fell behind, but said that staff who have recently taken on responsibility for individual subjects are not yet making enough use of data analysis or classroom observations to identify how teaching and the curriculum might be improved further.

He said: “The school has a good understanding of how well it is doing and what needs to be done next.

"It has improved well since the last inspection and has a good capacity to improve further.”

About the school

The school is smaller than average serving a semi-rural area near Droitwich.

The headteacher and the three class teachers have all joined the school since the last inspection.

Most pupils come from the local village and are white British from a range of social and economic backgrounds.

The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is below the national average.

A children’s centre recently opened on the school site.

The school has achieved National Healthy School Status and the Bronze Eco Schools award.

What the school does well

The curriculum ensures that the quality of teaching is good in most lessons.

The school is highly committed to working in partnership and takes a leading role in a range of activities.

Excellent care, guidance and support ensure that all pupils are able to learn and develop confidence, regardless of their individual circumstances.

Teaching and learning are good across the school.

What needs to be improved

Broaden the school’s impact on community cohesion and further develop pupils’ appreciation of cultural diversity by strengthening links with other schools and organisations, nationally and globally.

Enable subject leaders to have a great impact on improving teaching and learning and to develop a better overview of standards in their subjects by providing opportunities for them to observe teaching and analyse performance data.

Grades

Overall effectiveness – good.

The school’s capacity for sustained improvement – good.

Outcomes for individuals and for groups of pupils – good.