THE headteacher of a primary school outside Whitchurch that has transformed from inadequate to good has highlighted 'sustained improvements' made by staff and pupils.

Tilstock Church of England Primary School, in Tilstock Lane, was inspected by OFSTED on Tuesday, April 26 and Wednesday, April 27 this year.

Headteacher Rowena Kaminski said the OFSTED report was an achievement that can be shared around staff, pupils and parents.

She added: "This is a fantastic achievement for the whole of our school community.

"The comments we received in our report show that the improvements we have made at Tilstock are sustained and ones that are positively impacting the lives of our pupils.

"Our parents and carers were overwhelmingly positive about our school with many saying that the school helps their children to grow socially and emotionally as well as academically.

"We will continue to work on matching pupil ability and need to ensure they make as much progress as possible while at our school, this will be done via assessment which we have recently implemented.

"I want to thank everyone for their support, this really is a school community achievement and one which we will enjoy celebrating together."

Jo Evans, OFSTED lead inspector, said the pupils were proud of the school, which is part of the Marches Academy Trust, and that bullying was rare.

She added: "Pupils are proud of their school.

"They enjoy learning new things and playing with their friends.

"Pupils feel safe and are adamant that any member of staff would help them if they had any problems.

"Pupils care about each other and understand the school’s Christian values.

"One pupil summed this up for others by describing the school community as 'respectful'.

"Pupils are polite and well mannered.

"They behave well in lessons and as they move around the school.

"Bullying is rare and pupils are confident that if it does happen, it will be sorted out quickly.

"Pupils say everyone is welcome at the school."

Ms Evans also praised the school for its approach to pupils with educational needs.

She explained: "Leaders are ambitious for all pupils, including those pupils with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).

"They have planned an exciting curriculum and expect all pupils to achieve as well as they can.

"Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school.

"Many parents consider that the school helps pupils to grow socially and emotionally as well as academically.

"Parents of pupils with SEND say that their children are well supported."