STAFF and governors at a Northwich primary school are 'delighted' with its new Ofsted rating following a first inspection in 12 years.

Education watchdog inspectors visited Wincham Community Primary School in November and have this week published their report, rating the school as 'Good'.

The Church Street school had been rated as 'Outstanding' in 2011, under a previous framework, and was exempt by law from routine inspections until 2020.

Head teacher Matt Boot was very happy with the rating, which recognises the work the school has done to improve in the current, 'significantly more demanding', framework.

He said: "Staff and governors are delighted with the outcome of the inspection which recognises the many strengths of the school, particularly in the work that we do to support the children's personal development.

"We are very proud of the conduct of the children. The inspection team recognised the high level of good behaviour and eagerness and enthusiasm for learning.

Northwich Guardian: Pupils at the schoolPupils at the school (Image: Wincham Community Primary School)

"The current framework is significantly more demanding than when the school was last inspected, and the inspection team recognised how much the school had improved in all areas since 2011.

"Such a positive report can only be the outcome of years of hard work and effort by the whole team.

"Every member of staff and all of the governing board have contributed significantly. We also continue to be very grateful to parents and families for their support, making this a real community school."

In their report, the Ofsted inspectors said: "The school has raised its expectations of what pupils can achieve across a broader range of subjects.

"Pupils enjoy the way that their teachers hook them into new topics in exciting ways, and are keen and inquisitive learners. They typically achieve well across the curriculum.

"Children in early years settle in confidently. They learn quickly how the school expects them to behave.

"The pupils also learn to respect themselves and explained this means being kind to yourself and knowing that ‘you are enough’. These positive attitudes mean that pupils behave well and are happy in school.

"Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), benefit from an ambitious curriculum that is meaningful and interesting to them.

"They develop a keen appreciation of what it means to act as a positive citizen. Pupils are exceptionally well prepared to contribute to their community and to wider society."

In suggesting what improvements could be made, the inspectors added: "The school should refine its curriculum design in these few remaining subjects so teachers know exactly what knowledge must be taught, emphasised and recalled in order for pupils to gain a deep body of knowledge over time."