A WORCESTER school has been judged among the best in the country, just six years after it was deemed to be failing.

Nunnery Wood Primary School is now an ‘outstanding’ school, according to Ofsted inspectors.

“This is a vibrant, confident and happy school community,” the inspectors said.

Nunnery Wood Primary School was placed in special measures in 2002, after which the current headteacher, Sue Mason, was brought in to raise standards. Over the past six years the school has constantly improved.

In their report the inspectors said: “The headteacher has high expectations and aspirations for all members of the school community. She effectively harnesses the many skills and qualities of all staff.”

Mrs Mason said she was delighted with the report. “We are proud and delighted that our achievements have been recognised as outstanding by inspectors,” she said. “What a fantastic cause for celebration this is for every single person involved in making our school what it is –parents, governors, staff, the local authority and most especially the children.

“However, we will not be resting on our laurels. We are buzzing with exciting plans that will ensure that the school continues to go from strength to strength, and we are looking forward eagerly to a very bright future.”

The Prestwich Avenue school was judged as ‘outstanding’ in six of the eight inspection areas. It scored ‘good’ in the remaining two areas. “The pupils’ personal development and well-being and the quality of education in the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) are outstanding,” the inspectors found.

“From the youngest children to the oldest pupils, all are developing personal qualities that prepare them exceptionally well for the next stages in their life and education.” The quality of teaching and the curriculum were also highly praised in the report.

“The curriculum contributes extremely effectively to the pupils’ personal development,” the inspectors said. “The quality of care, guidance and support is outstanding. Pupils are self-confident, articulate and at ease with themselves and others. This is because they feel safe, and know exactly how they should behave and treat others.”

What the inspectors said

STAR RATINGS

Overall effectiveness: 4/4

Effectiveness of Early Years Foundation Stage: 4/4

Achievement: 3/4

Development: 4/4

Teaching: 3/4

Curriculum: 4/4

Care and support: 4/4

Leadership: 4/4

WHAT THE SCHOOL DOES WELL

  • The pastoral care given to pupils is outstanding, enabling them to grow in confidence and self-esteem.

  • Attendance at clubs is very good and the clubs effectively support the pupils’ learning.

  • The curriculum is exciting, creative and diverse, which reflects well in stimulating displays of pupils’ work around the school.

  • Teachers’ lesson plans have a strong focus on raising achievement and ensuring pupils enjoy their work.

  • The school council represents pupils exceptionally well and actively supports the school’s aims and values, for example when leading a whole-school assembly on how to deal with bullying, as part of the school’s ‘stay safe’ week.

WHAT COULD BE IMPROVED

  • Raise achievement and standards further, ensuring all pupils achieve well, particularly in writing in key stage two.

  • Ensure all teaching is consistently good or better.