A SMALL village school where pupils are “happy and proud to attend” has been described as a “close knit community” in a top report from watchdogs.

St John the Baptist C of E Voluntary Aided Primary School, in Pebmarsh, continues to be a good school, Ofsted has said in a new report.

The report said: “Teachers think carefully about how to make lessons build their knowledge in engaging ways. As a result, pupils are excited to learn.”

It was also noted there are “many opportunities” for pupils to become more confident and develop their interests and skills.

Inspectors particularly noted how pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are “increasingly well provided with the support they need to access the curriculum”.

The report continued: “Leaders, with the support of governors, have made significant improvements to the school, especially the curriculum.

“Governors robustly challenge leaders and hold them to account.”

It noted major changes made to the curriculum, such as introducing new reading schemes in Reception, Year 1 and 2, and new programmes of learning in many subjects.

The chair of governors, in a letter home to parents, said: “The report fairly reflects the hard work that every member of the team has put in to ensuring your children get the best start in their educational journey.

“Although nervous, we all felt the day went smoothly, and we got the chance to demonstrate what makes St John the Baptist the supportive, caring community that it is. 

“We are so proud of the staff and children.”

The school has recently installed a new early years and infant classroom and a new toilet block for upper juniors.

It has also launched a new curriculum to help children understand what they need for their next steps and a new catch up plan to assist children struggling with a core subject.

A school spokesman added: “We have spaces in our Key Stage 2 classes so feel free to come and have a look around.

“We are also seeking a governor to join our supportive governing body.

“If you think this is something you would be interested in, please get in touch with the school.”