A BRAINTREE district primary school has had its first full inspection from a government watchdog in ten years and been rated ‘good’.

Wethersfield Primary School, in Silver Street, received a positive Ofsted report after two days of inspections in January.

It received a ‘good’ grading for the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provisions categories.

Ofsted inspector Declan McCarthy carried out a short inspection in 2018 but the school’s last full inspection took place in 2014 when it also received a ‘good’ rating at the time.

The report said the atmosphere is “purposeful and positive in lessons” and there are “clear routines for behaviour”.

Halstead Gazette: Celebration - another image of executive headteacher Jinnie Nichols and Wethersfield Church of England Primary School pupilsCelebration - another image of executive headteacher Jinnie Nichols and Wethersfield Church of England Primary School pupils (Image: Wethersfield Church of England Primary School)

It also says: “The school has high expectations for pupils and lessons are fun, and this motivates pupils to work hard and try their best.

“This includes pupils who are disadvantaged and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).”

Ofsted praised the primary school for introducing a broad curriculum that is ambitious for all.

The report says: “SEND children learn the same curriculum as their classmates, whilst pupils who fall behind get the help they need to catch up.

Halstead Gazette: Peaceful - Wethersfield Church of England Primary School in Silver StreetPeaceful - Wethersfield Church of England Primary School in Silver Street (Image: Google Maps)

“As a result, pupils leave the school as confident, fluent readers."

Teachers at the school also help children learn new skills such as practising first-aid on teddies.

When it comes to what the school needs to do to improve, teachers are still developing their expertise in newer areas of the curriculum, resulting in teaching “not being adapted as well as it could be”.

Halstead Gazette: Selfie - Jinnie Nichols with Wethersfield Church of England Primary School pupilsSelfie - Jinnie Nichols with Wethersfield Church of England Primary School pupils (Image: Wethersfield Church of England Primary School)

Wethersfield Primary School teaches children between the ages of five and 11, and at the time of the report had 45 pupils.

Executive headteacher Jinnie Nichols said: "I am delighted that the Ofsted report really captures the fun and happiness at Wethersfield School.

"I am really proud of the children, they really showed the inspector how they love to learn."