A PRIMARY school is celebrating after Ofsted inspectors rated its pupils’ behaviour and safety as outstanding.

South Marston C of E Primary School has been given an overall grade of good in its latest inspection.

Headteacher Luke Maddison, who had only been in the post for about five weeks when inspectors arrived last month, said the result was down to the efforts of all the pupils, staff, governors and parents.

He said: “Since our last Ofsted inspection in 2008, the way schools are inspected has changed significantly, with much higher expectations being placed on teachers and school leaders than there ever was before. Comments about children’s progress and achievement demonstrate the improvements that have taken place since the last inspection.

“Of course, we were delighted about the outstanding grading for behaviour and safety. “It was clear that the inspector was impressed with the behaviour of children, both in lessons and at lunchtime.

“I’m pleased that the school was recognised as having ‘excellent personal, spiritual, moral, social cultural development, which is at the heart of the school’s success and underpins all of the school’s strengths’.

“Thank you to all the children who spoke so articulately to the inspector, and impressed her so much.”

Mr Maddison said he was delighted the report mentioned the excellent support staff too.

“We were also able to demonstrate that we had already identified ourselves, our next steps or areas for development, and that measures were already in place and beginning to have an impact in these areas,” he said.

“Being in post for just over five weeks when we were inspected gives me a great starting point for leading the school forward and identifies very clearly what we need to do to improve.”

Mr Maddison thanked all the parents who filled in the Ofsted parent view survey online.

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank all my staff and governors for all their help and support leading up to and during the inspection,” he said.

“We should, of course, not forget all the hard work and dedication from [former headteacher] Alison Lowe who has worked tirelessly over the last five years, putting the school in its strong position it is in today. “I know that she is also very pleased and proud of all your achievements.”

Ms Lowe is now head of Even Swindon Primary School.