PUPILS and teachers at Winterton Primary are celebrating after Ofsted inspectors recognised their school offers outstanding care and support for children.

The school was visited by two inspectors on November 24 and 25 who observed 10 lessons, saw four teachers and two groups led by teaching assistants and handed out questionnaires to 60 parents as well as staff, pupils and carers.

A report rated the school as satisfactory overall, but good in many areas and outstanding in the effectiveness of care, guidance and support.

In his report, lead inspector Stephen Lake said: “Winterton Primary School and Nursery provides a satisfactory standard of education for its pupils.

“Pupils’ good spiritual, social and moral development and good behaviour help make the school a friendly and welcoming place to learn in.

“Pupils, especially those who move in to the school other than at the usual time, feel safe and secure.”

The school, which last had an inspection shortly after achieving full primary status in 2008, has been judged to have made good progress in many areas.

These include a good quality and a much improved Early Years Foundation Stage, good spiritual, social and moral development, good community cohesion, good safeguarding arrangements and strong partnerships which help vulnerable pupils.

And Richard Endall, head teacher of the school, says he is delighted with the school’s achievement.

“The inspection was a very fair and open process which has vindicated many of the decisions that have been taken in the last two and a half years,” he said.

“We fully understand and appreciate the challenges that lie ahead, as we had already identified maths as a key area for improvement and we are confident that we have the team and the desire to take the school further forward.”

The inspection highlighted strong leadership by the head teacher and the effective governing body in improving the school.

Other areas deemed to be good were the opportunities provided for sports and pupils’ understanding of how to stay fit and healthy.

The support given to the families of persistent non-attendees was recognised as helping to improved attendance during the current school year.

Typical of parental comments was: “My son enters and exits the school day with a smile on his face.”

And teachers say they will continue to build on this success.