A primary school near Didcot has been transformed after being placed in special measures as it receives a 'good' rating following an inspection by Ofsted.
In their report, inspectors commended Blewbury CE Primary School, which joined the multi-academy trust Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust (ODST) in January 2020 following an inspection that placed the school in special measures.
The 120-pupil school was given Ofsted's bottom rating of ‘inadequate’ in March 2019 and made to convert into an academy taking control away from Oxfordshire County Council.
In its first Ofsted inspection since undergoing the change, the school achieved an overall ‘good’ grade and was marked with ‘outstanding’ provision for early years pupils with the report stating that “children get off to an excellent start”.
The report said: “The early years curriculum prepares children well for the next stage of their education.
“Children cooperate extremely well with each other and happily share resources with friends.”
Blewbury headteacher, Jo Reeder said: ‘We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the inspection.
“The first sentence of the report 'pupils are proud of their inclusive and caring school' absolutely reflects our school ethos.
“I am incredibly proud of the staff team for their hard work and dedication; and am grateful to the governors, parents, carers and wider community for supporting the school on its improvement journey.
“I am delighted with the way the pupils articulated and showed our values to the inspectors, who particularly commented to us on how respectful and tolerant they were of each other's views and differences.”
The report recognised the school’s “high ambitions” and inspectors also praised the school’s focus on reading,.
"Pupils respect the school’s clear rules and routines, which helps them to feel safe," the report said.
It added: "The school has high ambitions for every pupil, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
"Pupils live up to the school’s expectations by working hard and behaving well, both in lessons and at breaktimes. As a result, pupils achieve well across the curriculum.
“This includes different leadership roles, such as being a house captain or an eco-leader in the school."
Anne Dellar, chief executive of ODST, said: “Ofsted inspections are rigorous and to be graded ‘good’ with ‘outstanding’ for early years education is a remarkable achievement.
“Children really are getting the best possible start to their school journey at Blewbury.
“I’m extremely proud of the school leaders, staff and children, who make it such a happy and inclusive environment in which to learn.
“Blewbury strives for excellence and ODST will of course continue to support the school through this next exciting chapter."
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