PARKFIELD Primary school in Taunton is celebrating its latest Ofsted inspection report which recognises “rapid improvements” and gives the school a ‘good’ rating across the board.

Inspectors visited last month and their report, published this week, recognises the school’s “sharp rise” in achievement over the last two years - its previous Ofsted inspection rating was ‘Requires Improvement’.

The report says children are doing better in reading, writing and mathematics; and that the school’s motto of ‘success and happiness through hard work’ underpins everything. Children at the school told inspectors that staff make learning fun and teach them how to persevere with harder tasks.

Headteacher Gareth Jones is delighted with the report and already looking onwards and upwards.

He said: “Our improvements have only happened because of the full support of the parents and the Governing Body; the dedication and commitment of the staff and especially the hard work of the children. I am incredibly proud of the outcome of this inspection and honoured to represent the school community.

“This is the next stepping-stone on our school’s journey and an exciting time for the school. I look forward to continuing our success in the coming years.”

Other highlights of the report include:

• Pupils describe how they enjoy taking on extra responsibilities in the community to earn their ‘civic award’.

• Pupils feel safe. They say that bullying is rare and if it happens, adults deal with it quickly. Behaviour in lessons is good because pupils want to work hard.

• The curriculum helps pupils to keep themselves safe. Leaders make sure pupils know how to stay safe online. Governors make regular checks to make sure that pupils feel safe in school.

One area the inspectors identified for further strengthening is the practice and application of phonic skills in Key Stage 2 when developing reading.