Staff and pupils at Bunbury Aldersey CE Primary School are celebrating an Ofsted turnaround less than one year after it was placed in special measures.

The education watchdog has judged the school as ‘good’, following an inspection on January 26 and 27.

Its overall effectiveness after the previous inspection was deemed ‘inadequate’.

'Exemplary' behaviour

In a report published on Monday (February 29), HM Inspector Charles Lowry praised pupils’ ‘exemplary’ behaviour and ‘outstanding’ attitudes to learning.

He said: “The school’s work to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare is strong.

“This ensures that pupils learn in a safe and secure environment.”

Mr Lowry recommended that administrative systems are reviewed so they reflect the good practice that exists in the school, and

ensuring that the activities pupils are given to do are pitched at the right degree of difficulty.

Team effort

Headteacher Fiona Todd was praised for ‘uniting the school community behind her vision for improving the school, which focuses on the whole child, spiritually, morally and, socially, culturally and intellectually’.

But Mrs Todd insists the latest judgement is the product of a team effort.

She said: “The staff and the senior team have worked extremely hard to ensure that the children of Bunbury Aldersey follow a rich, varied and challenging curriculum.

“We have been well supported by the parents, community and our Interim Executive Board.

“It has been a privilege to work with such professional, knowledgeable and committed individuals and we have at all times put the needs and happiness of the children of Bunbury first.

“We are very proud of the school, particularly our pupils, who behave in an exemplary manner and make great progress in their learning.”

Bunbury Aldersey CE Primary School has been working in partnership with St Oswald’s Worleston CE Primary School for the past year, sharing Mrs Todd as headteacher.

The two are now working together more formally under the banner The St Oswald’s Worleston and Bunbury Aldersey Church of England Primary Schools’ Federation – chaired by Tarporley High School deputy headteacher Jason Lowe – but will retain their separate names and identities.

Chair of the Interim Executive Board Sheila Loughlin said: “It has been a privilege for the IEB members to work with such dedicated staff.

“I know the school will now go from strength to strength.”