A RUNCORN primary school has been labelled ‘good’ following its first inspection in more than a decade.

Windmill Hill Primary School was last inspected by Ofsted in 2013 when it achieved the highest grading of Outstanding by education watchdogs.

And 11 years on, the school is still highly praised as a ‘caring and nurturing’ setting.

Inspectors, following the visit on April 25 and 26, stated: “Pupils at Windmill Hill Primary School, wear their uniforms with pride.

“They are happy in this caring and nurturing school. Staff know pupils and their families well. Pupils build strong relationships with staff. They trust staff to keep them safe.”

Highlighting some of the areas the school excels in and still requires improvement in, the official report stated that pupils including those with SEND benefit from a ‘broad curriculum’ that has been carefully considered.

However, the early years curriculum is ‘still being finalised’, with inspectors noting that as a result staff are not aware of the essential knowledge the early years pupils need to learn and in turn this ‘hinders how well the children learn’.

The report continued by praising teachers ‘strong subject knowledge’.

“They present information clearly for pupils,” an inspector said. “They break learning down appropriately to make sure that it builds on what pupils already know.

“Teachers choose appropriate activities to help pupils to develop a strong understanding of subjects. In most subjects, teachers check what pupils have learned and remembered. This helps them to identify any misconceptions or gaps in learning. Effective support is given to pupils who need to catch up with their learning.”

Meanwhile additional needs in pupils are said to be 'swiftly identified' and staff are ‘well trained’ to support these pupils.

Inspectors also highlighted how the school has devised its own phonics programme and has ‘firmly embedded’ a culture of reading throughout the setting.

And behaviours and attitudes at the school was graded as outstanding by Ofsted inspectors, with pupils said to conduct themselves ‘sensibly’ and follow school rules ‘diligently’.

The report concluded, saying: “Governors are committed to the school and they know it well.

“Parents and carers are pleased with how well the school cares for their children.

“Staff are very happy working at this school. The way that the curriculums are designed has helped them to manage their workload effectively.”

To read the full inspection visit https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/