School gets top marks

A Staffordshire school has received exceptionally high praise in a report by Government inspectors.

Chadsmead Primary School is said to provide an outstanding education that meets children's learning and individual needs extremely well.

Ofsted lead inspector Hazel Callaghan said: "All staff are committed to the task of giving the children the best possible start to their education. There is strong focus on increasing the basic skills of reading and writing, mathematics, science and information and communication technology (ICT)."

Mrs Callaghan said there is also a dedication to providing children with a rich curriculum that strongly promotes their personal development, stimulates their interest and extends their educational experiences.

She noted that art, music, drama and sport are given a strong emphasis within the range of learning experiences provided for pupils and how numerous visits to places of interest also extend the learning in class and enhance pupils' desire to know more.

Mrs Callaghan said: "Pupils had challenging tasks such as those that link design technology with ICT that promotes pupils' creativity as well as their skills so that learning is meaningful and exciting.

"These activities, alongside excellent teaching, ensure pupils achieve very well in many areas of the curriculum and grow in confidence in their own abilities."

Chadsmead staff were found to provide outstanding care, support and guidance for pupils across the school.

The pupils received a glowing report for "responding extremely well to the challenges given and how they really enjoy school", while their parents were said to be overwhelmingly supportive of the school.

During the Early Years Foundation Stage, children make excellent progress and reach standards above those expected in all areas of the curriculum.

Headteacher Lester Davies, who was praised for providing strong leadership leading to the pupils making outstanding progress, said: "We are extremely pleased that the Ofsted inspectors deemed Chadsmead as an outstanding school.

He praised the dedication of a superb staff team.