A SCHOOL has maintained its rating of ‘good’ following an Ofsted inspection.

Hartlebury Church of England Primary School was praised in its recent report for areas including safeguarding, atmosphere and the teaching of reading.

The report said: “There is a lot of joy in this well-led school. Staff and pupils like being here and there is a strong sense of united purpose. Everyone is expected to work hard and behave well, and they do.”

“But there is also time for fun and laughter and adults always listen to what pupils have to say.”

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Headteacher Caroline Unitt said: “We are very pleased with the result and are very proud to be a part of such an amazing school with wonderful children and families. The inspectors saw our strengths and offered constructive feedback to help us develop further.”

Carolyn Gumbley, chair of governors said: “The Ofsted report is a good reflection of our school and I am delighted that the effort of staff and pupils continues to be recognised so positively.”

The Ofsted report continued: "The school gets children reading as soon as they are ready. Phonics teaching starts in Nursery and follows a well-planned progression that goes up through the classes.Throughout early years, staff focus on correct pronunciation of letter sounds and regularly sing and read rhymes and stories to children.”

The school has maintained its rating since its last inspection in 2013. The report said part of the school's success was due to well organised planning of the curriculum.

Hartlebury CE Primary is one of the family of schools in the Severn Academies Educational Trust.

Chief executive, Chris King said: “There is particularly strong support from parents and carers because the school has high academic standards and provides a breadth of culture, sport and outdoor learning, all delivered in an atmosphere of joy.”