Last updated 19:31, Thursday, 27 November 2008

EDUCATION at Eaglesfield Paddle Primary School has been rated as outstanding.

A team from Ofsted visited the 240-pupil school earlier this month.

Inspector Clive Petts said headteacher Rod Coy’s energy and clear vision was central to the school’s success.

Mr Petts wrote: “Mr Coy ensures the school exudes an ethos of happiness and calm, bolstered by Christian values, in which all pupils thrive. Parents rightly praise its wonderful family atmosphere.”

Pupils’ achievement is excellent. The team found that children enter the school with skills typical for youngsters their age.

By the end of year two they are above average and by the time they are ready to move into secondary school standards are said to be exceptionally high, particularly in maths and science.

Teachers were also praised for taking positive action to improve the comparative under-performance in writing.

The inspectors said: “Initiatives introduced are proving highly effective as more pupils achieve higher levels in English by the end of year six, matching their performance in maths and science. All pupils consistently exceed their challenging targets.”

Eaglesfield Paddle School also takes excellent care of its pupils, Ofsted found, which helps them to develop into responsible young people.

Teaching is rated as outstanding in the report, a copy of which has been sent to parents. It excites, challenges and inspires pupils to succeed.

Its provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage ensures the school’s youngest children get off to a flying start.

The school’s use of technology was also praised, as were its board of governors.

Inspectors said that Eaglesfield had made remarkable progress in improving its buildings and accommodation since the last visit three years ago.

The other opportunities the school gives its children to experience life outside of the classroom, including its outdoor areas and residential visits, were also recognised.