A 'HAPPY and safe' primary school has regained a regulator's seal of approval

Eynsham Community Primary School in West Oxfordshire has been judged to be 'good' by Ofsted, for the first time in more than seven years.

The watchdog's new report states: "Pupils thrive in this school...They enjoy being at Eynsham because they feel safe, happy and valued.

"The curriculum is much improved and provides pupils with well-sequenced and well-delivered learning.

"Pupils now behave well at the school because of the high-quality input by staff."

The school in Eynsham was rated 'inadequate' and placed in special measures in 2012 and had to convert into an academy, joining Eynsham Partnership Academy Trust in 2014, which runs other schools including nearby Bartholomew School.

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It climbed up to a standard of 'requires improvement' at its previous inspection in 2017, and has now stepped one higher.

Headteacher Ginny Bayliss, who joined in April 2018, said there has been 'much excitement and celebration' since the report was published this month.

She added: "Many changes have taken place in the last year, including the implementation of an inspirational curriculum, a new positive behaviour and rewards policy and the introduction The Eynsham Way, which details the school’s expectation around teaching and learning.

"The school is continuing to move the school forward, and is now looking at major developments to the building."

She said the school has become a place 'where pupils enjoy learning, work hard and achieve well.'

A new leadership team joined the school last year to drive forward improvements.

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Ofsted, writing in the report, said: "The headteacher has employed a committed, knowledgeable and motivated team of leaders.

"They have worked hard to ensure staff provide pupils with an exciting curriculum."

Inspectors described the school's culture as 'safe, purposeful and kind' and said the values 'ready, respectful and responsible' are reflected successfully.

Their report added: "Pupils are well-supervised and respectful, and they play together happily.

"Everyone makes sure that all pupils are successful and develop independence."

They said staff are 'ambitious' for pupils with special needs, and they provide 'all children with a wide range of experiences and opportunities.'

Ofsted visited the school on September 17 and 18, talking to children in class and assessing areas such as the curriculum and safeguarding documentation.

It also read survey responses from 26 staff members and 115 parents of pupils.

The school had 328 pupils on roll at the time of the visit, and was rated 'good' in all five core areas of assessment.