Top of the class! '˜Good' rating for primary school

That’s the message from Kate Shepherd, headteacher at Cragg Vale Junior and Infant School, after a recent OFSTED inspection said it continues to be a ‘good’ school.

The report said the school had “successfully addressed the areas for improvement identified at the previous inspection” in 2011. Inspectors from the education watchdog praised the leadership team for minimising the impact of uncertainty about the school’s future.

Children were said to settle well into the school and by the end of Reception year, reach levels of development above those nationally expected.

Pupils continue to make good progress throughout their time at the school, with no difference in the outcomes for disadvantaged pupils and others.

Those with special educational needs and/or disabilities also make good progress.

The report said: “Pupils enjoy coming to school. Attendance is consistently well above the national average.

“Pupils are happy and know how to keep themselves safe, including when online.

“They are very well behaved both in class and at lunch and playtimes. They are kind and aware of the needs of others.

“Pupils have opportunities to develop their leadership skills through membership of the school council.”

It also said communication with parents and families was good, through the use of weekly newsletters and Twitter, and that there is a “strong culture of partnership between the school and parents.”

Partnership work with other schools was also highlighted. The report outlined the school is an active member of the local ‘cluster’ of primary schools, which works rogether to check standards, develop skills and provide additional services.

The next step for the school is to ensure pupils develop the depth and breadth of writing.

Headteacher, Kate Shepherd, said “I am delighted with this report. Our focus has always been our pupils and the best opportunities and outcomes for them, which OFSTED fully recognised and supported.

“We now need to build on these achievements to reach ‘outstanding’ and ensure we secure the future of our successful school.

“I would like to thank all our staff, governors, pupils and parents for their hard work and continued support.”