Staff and pupils are celebrating after a primary school in Bracknell has been rated ‘Good’ by OFSTED inspectors.

Wildridings Primary School has bounced back since its last inspection in 2018, where it was rated ‘Requires Improvement’.

This time, the school was praised for creating an environment where pupils can nurture their talents and feel safe.

The inspectors also said pupils are highly enthusiastic, enjoy reading, and know who to go to if they need help.

READ MORE: Bracknell primary school celebrates Good rating after devastating 'Inadequate' verdict

Meanwhile, staff and leaders were praised for making sure families who need additional support can access it quickly and encouraging those with  special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to achieve their very best. 

Celebrating the rating, the headteacher Simon Cope said: “I am that following our recent OFSTED inspection we have been awarded a grading of ‘GOOD’ in all areas.

“The report showcases the improvements made since the last inspection in 2018.

“This is an exceptional achievement by everyone involved with the school and thoroughly deserved.

“Wildridings is more than just a school, it’s a family and it provides us with a sense of belonging and support every single day.

“The last few years have been difficult for everyone both in school and out.  The pandemic has affected us all in some way.

“The sheer resilience and determination of our community has ensured that our children really have had the best experiences and learning opportunities we could possibly provide. ”

To improve, the inspectors asked teachers to better plan the curriculum so that pupils can build knowledge systematically.

The inspectors also judged that teachers’ need to deepen their subject knowledge so they can address gaps in pupils’ knowledge more effectively.

READ MORE: Bracknell primary celebrates first 'Good' rating in school's history

The school suffered heavy criticism when it was rated ‘Requires Improvement’ in 2018, with inspectors saying teaching standards and outcomes had ‘declined rapidly’ and learning in maths and english was not ‘consistently good’.

It was also dogged by attendance being below the national average, with persistent absences among SEND pupils.

The most recent report states the issue has been rectified by school leaders being “relentless in ensuring that pupils attend school.”

The school was visited on February 8-9 by lead inspector Sue Keeling, and inspectors Jon Hills and Hanna Miller.

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The report mentions that Mr Cope was off ill during the inspection, with Anna Cook taking the reins as acting headteacher and  Chrissy Wort serving as deputy head.

Mr Cope added: “An inspection is never easy at the best of times and in my absence the team went above and beyond.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of them.  They are a truly exceptional group of people and I couldn’t wish for a greater team.  Simply Amazing.  This quote taken from the report is one that will stay with me forever and it truly does embrace what Wildridings is all about: 

‘Staff really care and when you need help, they are there for you.’

“Thank you all so much for everything you do. I cannot put into words what it means to have such wonderful support from all of our families.  I feel very proud.”

The 2022 report has not been published on the OFSTED website yet.

The school has two form entry and an attached nursey for children age 3 and up, and is located in Netherton, Wildridings.