PUPILS and staff at a village school near Evesham are celebrating after they were given a glowing report by Ofsted.

Inspectors deemed Badsey First School had improved its performance, rating it good overall – an improvement on the satisfactory grading given at the previous inspection.

They said pupils make consistently good progress in Reception and through Key Stages 1 and 2 as a result of good teaching, and leave the school with attainment in English and mathematics above levels expected for their age.

Inspectors felt teachers knew their pupils well, and planned stimulating activities to engage them in their lessons, whatever their needs and interests.

Teaching assistants were also praised for giving good help and guidance to small groups and individuals, so pupils at all ability levels make good progress.

Pupils’ behaviour in and around the school was deemed to have improved since the previous inspection, seeing them described as polite and considerate.

Inspectors said school leaders were able to correctly identify the strengths and areas to develop in the school, and work hard to ensure it constantly improves.

In order to become an outstanding school, Badsey must ensure more able pupils are always given more demanding work that has a clear purpose in lessons, teachers’ marking is consistent and shows pupils clearly what they need to do in order to improve their work, pupils have more opportunities to ask questions that arise from their own investigations or to solve problems, and discuss and share the existing outstanding practice in teaching with all staff.

Headteacher Julie Jones said: “I am thrilled with the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection.

The good judgement is recognition of the hard work, dedication and commitment shown by the whole school community.

“I’m extremely pleased the inspection team noticed that the pupils make good progress during their time with us as a result of good and outstanding teaching.

“They recognised that the pupils are polite, considerate and feel safe in school.

“The inspectors were impressed with the curriculum development that has taken place and the range of activities on offer to support the pupils’ learning.”