ACTING headteachers at Bretforton First School have said they are pleased with their recent Ofsted report.

The school, which has 61 pupils aged between four and 10, had its second inspection in June when three inspectors spent three days at the school viewing lessons and talking to parents, teachers, pupils and governors.

The inspectors found that the children enjoyed going to school - a fact reflected, they said, in the high attendance rates.

They also pointed out that the standards of behaviour were good and that the children had developed high levels of speaking.

However, inspectors have noted only a slow improvement in weaker areas identified in the first inspection and say while a lot of money is spent per head of pupils there is much underspending with the school "only just" offering value for money.

It was noted that the youngsters showed positive attitudes towards their work, maintaining concentration and interest.

The report said that teaching was of a satisfactory standard and that the staff's knowledge and understanding was adequate with the teaching of English and maths satisfactory throughout the school.

While the report acknowledged that the school was in transition and had weak areas, it also said its pastoral strengths were balanced by areas for further development, particularly in school management.

It stated: "The standards achieved by pupils are mostly in line with expectations for the age of pupils but there is some underachievement in writing,

"The quality of the teaching and learning is sound. The improvement made in areas identified in the first inspection has been slow.

"There is very high expenditure per head of pupils and a considerable underspend. The school only just offers value for money."

Chairman of governors, Sue Willoughby commented: "The inspectors have highlighted issues that the school needs to address in terms of its management and administrative structures which will further improve the quality of education,

"This is a happy, forward-looking school. Mrs Geraldine Bellingham will be taking up her post as headteacher in September.

"She has already become involved with staff and the governing body and together they will be drawing up the action plan."

Acting head, Angela Gray, said that pupils attained levels expected for their ages but, reflecting the national trend, there was a need for improvement in their writing.

She was pleased with the significant improvement in maths over the last two years and stated the children had a good understanding of number, shape and measurement. The inspection took place at a difficult time as the school was between permanent head teachers, but Mrs Gray said that both acting heads were pleased with the report.