A SCHOOL is celebrating after maintaining a ‘good’ rating - the second highest score - in its latest Ofsted inspection.

Iron Acton Primary was praised for maintaining the good quality of education in the school since its last inspection in 2014.

Maths, which had been noted as a weak point in the school’s previous report, was this time highlighted as a strength.

Special mention was made of headteacher Mike Riches’ leadership.

The report commends Mr Riches, who took up the post just over two years ago, for establishing himself as a well-respected leader. 

It goes on to say that he has forged excellent partnerships with parents, and knows his pupils and their families well.

The report said: “Considerable improvements to teaching in all subjects at key stage 1 last year led to much higher proportions of pupils reaching expected and higher standards at the end of Year 2 than previously.

“These figures were higher than for pupils nationally.

“Current pupils’ work reveals that teachers have high expectations of pupils and provide work that routinely challenges them. 

“This motivates pupils and helps them to apply their prior learning to consolidate and extend their skills.”

To improve, inspectors said teachers should ensure that pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities receive more targeted teaching support.

In a letter accompanying the report, Ofsted inspector Catherine Beeks notes that parents' comments made to her during the inspection included: 'We feel very lucky to be part of this lovely school’ and, ‘The school is amazing…we are so glad that we chose it for our children.’
Headteacher Mike Riches said: “It is a strong report, and it has uplifted us all.

“Things are going well generally at the school. 

"Our pupil numbers are increasing. We had 75 pupils last year, we’ve got 86 this year, with 93 enrolled from September.

“Families come for a look round and like what they see and want to join us.”