BATCHLEY First School has retained its ‘Good’ status following a visit by Ofsted inspectors.
They said headteacher Sarah Downes, appointed in late 2020, had set a clear and ambitious vision which had been supported by the local authority, Worcestershire County Council.
They said pupils were happy and feel safe at school and were well cared for and work and play together cheerfully.
Inspectors added the headteacher had revised the behaviour policy and taken a firm stance on dealing with aggressive behaviour.
They said: “Most pupils behave well in and around school, they know what bullying is and how important it is to report it and school Leaders take effective action to deal with it.”
Ofsted also found the support provided for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) was of of good quality.
Staff were mindful of pupils with behavioural or emotional difficulties with the school rabbit and pet guinea pigs playing key roles in helping to calm youngsters down when they were upset or anxious.
In a statement inspectors said: “The school is expertly and calmly led by the headteacher.
“She places pupils at the centre of all decisions made and a focus on raising standards is crystal clear.
“Planning in mathematics is effective. Teachers know what they want pupils to learn and in what order.
“Pupils enjoy reading and most read regularly. Impressively, pupils have written, and had published, their own school book.”
Criticism was focused on staff expectations of what pupils could do with inspectors saying pupils were given often low-level tasks to complete which did not help them to know and remember more.
However inspectors said school leaders cater well for pupils’ personal development and a range of sporting and cultural opportunities help widen pupils’ interests and add to their enjoyment of school.
