A WHITCHURCH nursery continues to be a good school with a ‘clear sense of joy and positivity’, according to Ofsted.

Inspectors visited Whitchurch CofE Infant and Nursery Academy, in Station Road, for the first time since the school converted to academy status in 2019.

Sarah Camacho, principal, said that St Bart’s Multi Academy Trust, of which the school is part of, said staff, pupils and community are ‘extremely pleased’ with the recent report.

She added: “The inspection was robust, fair and thoughtful towards staff wellbeing.

“There was a focus on talking with staff and pupils about their experiences of learning, watching lessons, speaking with leaders, parents, governors, and the academy trust.

“I would like to thank all of the parents and their wonderful children for the continued support we receive – a huge well done to all involved.”

The inspectors said that senior leaders and the academy trust have made improvements at the school.

They added: “They have made sure that all staff are well trained in early reading and that pupils who need additional support get help quickly.

“Leaders use reading assessments well.

“They make sure pupils have the right books so they can practise the sounds they learn in lessons every day.”

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The report also found that leaders have high ambitions for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

There were some improvements suggested for the school’s future plans.

Some teachers lack adequate subject knowledge, impacting curriculum implementation and causing a slowdown in students' learning.

The report reads: “In a few subjects, changes are very new, and teachers do not always have the subject knowledge they need to deliver lessons to best effect.

“They do not check pupils’ understanding quickly enough, and some pupils can become disengaged.

“This means that pupils’ learning in these subjects slows.”

Leaders are urged to prioritise ensuring that all staff possess the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively execute the curriculum.

The inspectors said: “Some subject leaders are new to their roles.

“They are enthusiastic but do not always have the knowledge and expertise to identify the exact improvements needed when planning subjects.

“As a result, there are some inconsistencies with teachers’ delivery of some subjects in lessons."

The report also showed that parents are happy with the staff and they feel that ‘nothing is too big or small’ in making sure their children are confident, happy and safe.