9:35am Saturday 17th May 2008
By Hayley Collins
A MIDDLEWICH primary school facing closure has just received an excellent report from Ofsted inspectors.
Staff and pupils at Cledford Infant and Nursery School are celebrating after inspectors branded the school, in Long Lane South, "A good school with several outstanding features."
Andrew Littler, chairman of governors, is thrilled at the report.
"It's fantastic news," he said.
"There's an awful lot of work gone on at the school and this Ofsted report shows it.
"The last report called it satisfactory, so we took on board everything that was said and all the work that has been done has paid dividends this time around."
The inspectors visited the school in April and were particularly impressed with the high quality of teaching and the outstanding curriculum, which was noted to promote high standards in reading and writing.
The Ofsted inspector said: "The quality of teaching is good, with areas of outstandingly good practice.
"The school has developed a very rich curriculum that provides great interest and enjoyment for the pupils.
"It is enhanced by an excellent range of after-school activities and a good programme of visits and visitors."
The school is due to merge with Cledford Junior School next January and Mr Littler says that the excellent Ofsted report will put them in good stead for when the merger goes ahead.
The junior school in George VI Avenue also got an excellent Ofsted report last year.
He added: "With both the schools getting brilliant Ofsted reports it will be a fantastic boost for the new school."
The school held a special celebration assembly for staff and pupils in recognition of its success.
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