THERE are celebrations at a 'calm' school where children feel 'happy and safe' which has been graded Good by Ofsted inspectors.

St Barnabas CofE First and Middle School was previously graded Requires Improvement but is now Good in every area.

Ofsted inspectors visited the school in Stonebow Road, Drakes Broughton, during November and found that pupils enjoy learning and the curriculum was 'ambitious'

Executive headteacher Elizabeth Whetham MBE said: "I am delighted that Ofsted has recognised the improvements we've made at St Barnabas.

"Our inspection was conducted with integrity, humanity and rigour and is a true reflection of our school.

"I am extremely proud of all the children, staff and our wider school family for all their contributions to enabling us to live out our vision 'Let all you do be done in love'."

 Inspectors said: "The school is a calm and orderly place.

"Pupils concentrate and behave well in lessons.

"They are keen to succeed and work hard. Pupils learn to respect those different from themselves.

"At social times, they play happily together."

Reading was found to be a top priority at the school and inspectors noted that leaders are ambitious for what the children can achieve.

Inspectors continued: "Teachers in each key stage design activities that prepare children well for what follows.

"The curriculum in Year 7 gives pupils a strong start to key stage 3.

"Pupils apply their knowledge of literacy and numeracy well in other subjects."

Inspectors said improvements could be made "in some subjects, at the very early stages of learning, the small steps that pupils need to take in their learning are sometimes not defined precisely enough.

"This limits learning on some occasions."

They also pointed out in some subjects, where changes to the curriculum have been made, teachers are not always clear about what knowledge to assess.

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"Teachers are not able, therefore, to judge how far pupils have understood the things that they have been taught.

"The school should set out clearly the intended outcomes against which teachers can assess what pupils have learned and address any misconceptions that may remain."

Other positives Ofsted inspectors highlighted were teachers' secure knowledge and high expectations for the 199 students' behaviour.

It added: "This is an inclusive school, with a strong commitment to all its pupils.

"Staff work effectively with parents, for example, to involve them in their children’s reading.

"Leaders have provided effective support for inexperienced teachers joining the school.

"Staff are happy and motivated and believe that senior leaders are considerate of their well-being and workload."