Ofsted report: Bembridge Church of England Primary School.

PUPILS and staff at Bembridge Church of England Primary School are celebrating this week following praise in an Ofsted inspection report.

The school is a good school and provides "good value for money" according to the report.

Head teacher, Harry Kirby, welcomed the conclusions of the report. He said: "I am delighted that this independent monitoring system affirmed our perception of the school. All members of the school family have worked hard to ensure that our pupils receive the best education we are able to give them."

Mr Kirby added that he was pleased the school was noted as wanting to develop the whole child and not just achieve good

academic results.

The report states: "There is no complacency. Rather a desire, a Christian commitment to action which is almost an emotional one, for the nurture of children. Though sincere about their faith, pupils carry their spirituality lightly and comfortably without fear."

Mr Kirby also noted the praise given for the way the school community cared for all its members, and the resulting self-confidence of the pupils.

The report says that teaching standards at the school, which caters for 135 pupils, is mainly good and never less than satisfactory.

As well as complimenting pupils on their attitudes and behaviour, the inspectors felt that special educational needs provision was a "credit to the school" and effective provision is made for pupils' personal development.

Mr Kirby said the school was already working on an action plan to address certain issues concerning the co-ordinators' role in observing English, mathematics and science.

The school is also planning to improve facilities for the physical development of reception class pupils.

The Ofsted inspection was led by Brian McCutcheon and a separate denominational inspection on behalf of the Diocese of Portsmouth was carried out by Malcolm Lloyd.

Mr Lloyd concluded: "The school serves its pupils well. It is highly regarded - and rightly so." Both inspections took place at the same time in September.

Chair of governors, the Reverend Andrew Menniss, said he and his fellow governors were equally delighted that the Ofsted and diocesan reports were so excellent and encouraging. He said: "We are committed to helping to maintain and build on the high standard of education in the future."