PUPILS and staff at a Worcestershire village school have been celebrating its latest Ofsted report.

Eckington CE First School, near Pershore, was awarded an overall rating of good by inspectors who visited the premises in School Lane on Wednesday and Thursday, May 30-31.

The achievement of pupils, quality of teaching, the behaviour and safety of pupils, and leadership and management were all recognised as being good.

Headteacher Gail Whiting said: “We are delighted that the inspection has recognised that our school is ‘good’ in all areas and that some teaching and practice is outstanding.

“We are proud to receive such a good report. The inspector was full of praise for the children, their work, behaviour and attitude to learning.

“The report makes frequent references to the children enjoying school and making good progress throughout their time with us.”

The inspection report revealed that most parents and carers thought their children were making good progress and developing good academic skills, something which the report’s findings confirmed.

Teachers are said to have good relationships with pupils and make learning enjoyable, planning their lessons well and using a good range of teaching styles and activities to motivate the children’s learning.

However, they do not always provide tasks which are sufficiently challenging enough for all groups of pupils. It sometimes prevents even better advances in pupils’ learning, especially for higher attainers. The pupils’ combination of above-average attendance, enjoyment of school and good behaviour all contribute well to their good progress.

A caring ethos is present in the school and seeks to foster a culture of respect for others, with pupils showing consideration when learning and socialising together. They also acknowledge bullying in any form is at a low level.

Leadership and management were rated as good, with leaders having notable success in maintaining and building on the strengths identified in the last inspection in March 2009.