CHILDREN who are 'proud of their friendly school' have another reason to celebrate after it retained its Good rating from Ofsted.

Inspectors from the education watchdog visited Byley Primary School and Nursery earlier this year before publishing its report on March 13.

In its first inspection since 2017, the school was rated Good in all five assessment areas - quality of education; behaviour and attitudes; personal development; leadership and management; and early years provision.

In the report, the school was praised for its 'interesting and engaging' curriculum, prioritising the teaching of reading and the strong start early years children - who are happy and eager to learn - get off to.

Staff and leaders were also praised for their good training in identifying pupils with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) and ensuring pupils have many opportunities to further enhance their wider development.

Headteacher Elizabeth Whittingham - who took on the role in January 2021 - said: "Everyone at Byley Primary School and Nursery is delighted with such a positive and complimentary Ofsted report.

"I was pleased to read the inspectors noted the curriculum we have created interests and engages all pupils and that pupils with SEND participate fully in all aspects of school life.

"The inspectors also noted we have prioritised the teaching of reading and the positive impact this has on all our children.

"Byley Primary School and Nursery is a lovely school to go to and work at. We not only offer all pupils a broad and ambitious curriculum; we also ensure that pupils have many opportunities to further enhance their wider development and that they enjoy coming to school.

"Staff enjoy working at the school and with each other. As a new head, I feel very privileged to work with such a dedicated and caring team."

"The inspectors mentioned the positive responses from parents about the school on Ofsted Parent View - 100 per cent of those who responded said that they would recommend the school to others.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the children, staff, parents, carers and governors who all contribute so much to make Byley such a fabulous school."

In her report, Ofsted lead inspector, Julie Barlow said: "Pupils, including children in the early years, are proud of their friendly school.

"They greet visitors with a warm welcome and a happy smile. They explained that their school is like a family ‘because everyone cares for each other’.

"Pupils thrive in the calm and nurturing atmosphere that leaders and staff have created. They feel safe and appreciate that staff care deeply about their well-being.

"Leaders are ambitious for pupils, including children in the early years and those with SEND. Pupils enjoy their lessons, are eager to learn, behave well and work hard.

"Pupils achieve well and, at the end of year six, they are prepared well for secondary school.

"They relish the many opportunities leaders provide such as residential visits; pupils, parents and carers appreciate the many sports clubs on offer.

"There is a strong culture around keeping children safe throughout the school and in the wider community.

"Leaders know families well and have established strong and supportive relationships with parents. Staff know what to do if they have any concerns about pupils’ safety.

"Leaders work well with a range of professionals to ensure that pupils and their families receive support when it is needed."