THE youngest children at a Gomeldon school benefit from “outstanding” teaching, according to the latest report from education watchdog Ofsted.

Inspectors heaped praise on Gomeldon Primary School’s early-years provision in a report published this month.

Headteacher Patrick Macey said everyone was delighted with the report, in which the school earned an overall rating of ‘good’.

“We felt that the report reflects our drive to create a family environment in which all pupils are well known and well cared for,” said Mr Macey.

“We are proud of the fact that parents and carers are very pleased with the work of the school, especially the way that their children are cared for.

“The outstanding grade awarded for our early years provision can be enjoyed as the icing on the cake as it demonstrates how well all stakeholders of the school work together for the good of our children from their very beginnings at Gomeldon.”

According to the report, pupils settle quickly and begin learning straight away.

It says parents value home visits before their children start at the school and also the regular letters and notes from teachers that keep them up-to-date with their children’s progress.

“The range of opportunities made available to the children through the carefully-planned provision is outstanding,” said the report.

Inspectors said the school’s refurbished outdoor area was “thoroughly enjoyed by all,” contributing to a high level of spiritual, social, moral and cultural development.

“All children’s needs are met exceptionally well, regardless of their ability,” it said.

Staff were praised for providing a “broad and rich range of exciting activities that constantly motivate children to want to join in and learn”.

Children’s achievement was described as “consistently high across all areas” and their development in literacy and mathematics as “especially strong”.

Phonics teaching was described as “excellent” and inspectors said the children thoroughly enjoyed starting to read.

“The delight of the children in the morning sessions where parents and carers are involved in early reading tasks is a joy to all concerned,” wrote the inspector, adding that early years provision was “outstandingly well led and managed”.

This is the first time the school’s early-years provision has been assessed separately.