CHAWSON First School is celebrating after improving to a ‘good’ rating in its latest Ofsted inspection, from its previous rating of ‘requires improvement’.

The report praised staff for the improvement with inspectors saying: “Leadership and management have improved rapidly since the last inspection. The headteacher and deputy headteacher form a strong and complementary team. In addition, a lot of work has been put into developing the skills of other leaders. This has had a positive impact on leadership at all levels. There is a very positive culture in which imaginative teaching and pupils’ good behaviour can flourish.”

The report added: “Attainment at the end of year four is improving rapidly. In 2014 pupils were well on course to exceed the nationally expected level in reading, mathematics and writing by the end of key stage two as they had made good progress through years three and four. Current pupils are making good progress and achieving well. This is evident from the school’s data, the quality of the work in pupils’ books and the learning evident in lessons observed during the inspection.”

The report did highlight some areas for improvement, adding: “At times teachers do not explain sufficiently clearly what pupils are expected to do when they move to group or individual work. This wastes time as teachers have to repeat their instructions. However, many of the teachers are adept at recognising misconceptions and altering what they are doing to deal with them as lessons progress.”

Headteacher Helen Wallace, was thrilled with the report. She said: “Everyone at Chawson is absolutely delighted with the Ofsted report we’ve recently received. The report is so positive and is a pleasure to read. We are ‘good’ in all areas. I’m so proud of the hard working dedicated team of staff who have been rewarded for providing excellent opportunities for all of our children. Our children were a credit to the school and their families during the inspection, making the Ofsted inspectors welcome sharing their enthusiasm for learning. The school is continuing to aim high and striving towards ‘outstanding’ aspects being recognised in future.”

To view the report visit j2e.com/chawson/Admin/Ofsted+Report+2015.