A GLOWING Ofsted report has been given to a Worcestershire first school.

Staff, pupils and parents at Sytchampton Endowed First School in Stourport-on-Severn are celebrating after a government inspector for schools described it as being “outstanding”.

In the report, undertaken in mid-January this year, Ofsted inspector Peter Callow described the school as still holding its outstanding status acquired three years previously and said it was now “even better”.

The report says: “The school has got even better because of the accuracy of its self-evaluation and the level of challenge it sets for all the pupils.

“Fundamental to its continuing improvement is also the school’s willingness to embrace change.”

The leadership and staff are described as being “able, cohesive and enthusiastic” and the majority of parents praise the school. The inspector judged the school’s overall effectiveness and effectiveness of the early years foundation stage as outstanding.

The inspector said the school could improve further by evaluating new approaches to speed up progress in literacy to maintain its already high standards.

Headteacher Cynthia Evans said: “We were thrilled with the report and it just shows the hard work that has gone into the school from everyone. Having got a glowing report last time it’s a lot to live up to this time and we wanted to make sure that standards didn’t drop.

“So we were very happy to find that they hadn’t,” she said.

“Obviously, it has been great feedback from Ofsted and we are all very proud with what they have said about us.

“As a school we work hard to make sure the standards are high and this is just testament to the staff, pupils and governors so we must say a big thank you to them.”

In a letter to the school Mr Callow thanked the children for being so friendly and polite when he visited.

“You are very fortunate to be in a school where you are so well cared for. This is helping you to grow up to be kind, helpful and responsible.

“We hope that you will always be like this and try your hardest in your work all the time.”

What the school does well The headteacher, with good support from the deputy headteacher, ensures that expectations are always extremely high and that everyone is clear of the school’s priorities.

In subjects as varied as history and art and physical education good use is being made of ICT for both teaching and learning, as well as in the core areas of English, mathematics and science. The subject is well led and teachers are confident as a result of a range of good training opportunities.

Children are happy and confident in the early years foundation stage because there is strong leadership and they are extremely well cared for.

High quality teaching makes excellent use of a bright, stimulating and well-organised classroom and the outdoor environment.

What could be improved Monitor and evaluate the approaches to accelerate progress in literacy to ensure high standards are maintained.