A SCHOOL has been praised for ‘making a difference’ after being rated ‘good’ following a recent Ofsted inspection.

Witchampton Church of England First School received the rating as inspectors said the school staff and pupils reflect its motto of a ‘small school with a big heart – making a difference’.

The school, with 59 pupils, was widely praised by inspectors who said leaders are ‘ambitious’ for their pupils teaching a ‘broad and varied curriculum’.

Reading is prioritised at Witchampton with strong support from staff to help those that are struggling, inspectors found.

Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is good, and there is a culture of inclusivity and acceptance throughout the school.

“Staff teach fundamental British values explicitly”, inspectors found.

Pupils are issued a ‘Witchampton Wow’ badge when they demonstrate one of these, which pupils wear with pride’.

The report said that the school needs to ensure the high expectations of pupils’ conduct is met across the board, and that assessment is further developed in the wider curriculum.

Headteacher Jo Hancock, said: “I was pleased that the report said that leaders, governors and trustees are ambitious for all our pupils, and that we have high expectations of their conduct.

“It says how good our safeguarding is and that those with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported.

“We are delighted with our report and it is very reassuring that our areas of focus were already a focus and underway.”

The school is a part of Initio Learning Trust, and the chief executive officer of the trust, Liz West, said: “This is a very strong report.

“The staff, pupils and parents combine to create a wonderful learning environment in a beautiful setting.

“The report says that children are happy and want to attend school and it noted the extra-curricular activities available including the worship team, school council and eco committee.”

The report was the school’s first Ofsted report since an ‘outstanding’ report in 2009, and since becoming an academy in 2015.