Staff and Governors at St Florence VC School were delighted with the results of their recent school inspection report.
Inspectors found the school to be a "warm, caring and friendly community" with pupils "happy and settled" at the school.
Inspectors reported that the management of the school is good. The Governing body is well informed and fulfils its responsibilities effectively. The headteacher of the school was reported as being supportive of his staff. The budget is managed carefully.
In their report, inspectors commented that the quality of provision for children under 5 years is appropriate. In Key Stage 1 and 2 the standards of achievement were found to be good in Mathematics, English and Science and satisfactory in foundation subjects.
In Key Stage 2, older, more able pupils achieve very good standards in aspects of work in core subjects.
Pupils make increasing use of literacy, numeracy and ICT skills to support their work in aspects of the curriculum.
The quality of provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs is good.
The standards achieved by pupils in the Key Skills are satisfactory, although Inspectors advised that more attention should be paid in the planning process.
The quality of teaching was found to be good in a majority of lessons and satisfactory in the rest. No unsatisfactory lessons were observed.
Inspectors noted that teachers prepare their lessons carefully and make good use of resources to provide interesting learning experiences for pupils. There is effective use of direct teaching and questioning techniques.
The school offers a broad and relevant curriculum with systematic and detailed assessment and recording of pupil's progress in core subjects. Assessment of foundation subjects needs to be further developed.
Teachers and staff know the pupils well and give good attention to pupils' personal and social development.
The partnership with parents, the community, schools and other institutions are good. Parents are highly supportive of the school. There are good links with the local church.
Inspectors advised maintaining good standards and raising standards in subjects decreed to be satisfactory. The Schools self evaluation system needs to involve curriculum leaders in monitoring their subjects more closely, and in planning the development of key skills in great detail.
Chairman of Governors at the school, Keith Nixon welcomed the report and said that "The school is very fortunate to have dedicated, hard working staff, enthusiastic pupils and supportive parents. All these have contributed towards this very positive report."