STAFF and children at Stratford-sub-Castle Primary School are celebrating after improving their Ofsted grade and getting an outstanding report from the diocese.

In 2009 the Church of England school was rated satisfactory by Ofsted inspectors but it has now improved to good across all areas.

An inspector who visited the school in March said it is a good school that is well managed and led. The report said: “The headteacher, deputy headteacher and staff share high ambitions for every pupil whatever their circumstances or the challenges they face.”

She said teaching is good because staff know their pupils academic needs well and plan effectively to meet varying abilities, but the school can do more to further improve the quality of teaching and learning, such as by giving children greater opportunities to work independently.

In the Statutory Inspection of Anglican Schools (SIAS) report the inspector said: “Stratford-sub-Castle is an outstanding Church of England primary school. Its provision for the needs of all learners is exemplary, rooted in Christian values and perspectives which permeate and unite the whole school. The quality of the school as a community and its focus on the aspirations and successes of all children have led to immense strengths which command the respect and support of all stakeholders.”

The report praised the outstanding leadership and the uncompromising commitment to inclusion.