LEADERS at a West Somerset school are taking positives from its latest Ofsted report as they progress improvements.

Despite receiving a 'requires improvement' (RI) judgement, Danesfield School, Williton, was rated good for personal development.

The inspectors said "pupils are positive about personal, social and health education and have a range of opportunities to develop their leadership skills, including becoming prefects, reading mentors and school council members".

They added "parents and pupils are appreciative of the range of enrichment activities that are on offer", while "leaders have prioritised the development of reading" after assistance on helping the weakest readers began last year.

Headteacher David McGrath said he was encouraged by the report's positive tone.

He added: "We are proud of some of the aspects the inspectors were able to observe and highlight.

"As leaders we have been clear about what needed to happen to develop the school, and this is reflected in the report and in the advice they offer.

“Phrases such as "pupils are kind and friendly", "relationships between staff and pupils are strong", "leaders act quickly and decisively when pupils talk to adults about their worries", "leadership has focused on raising expectations of pupils’ behaviour and developing the curriculum", all combine to highlight that we are on an upward trend.

“We are fully aware we are not there yet, and the outcome was not the one we wanted for areas of the school, but I am of the opinion that the community has full faith and belief that we will accelerate this progress and upward trend to offer the best for all our young people.”

The previous year’s monitoring inspection report remarked that leaders and those responsible for governance were taking effective action for Danesfield, a member of Beacon Education Trust, to become a good school. In this latest report, inspectors realised many of their 2021 recommendations had been addressed.

Hayley Lake, chairman of Danesfield School’s Academic Improvement Board, said: “We were pleased to receive a judgment of good for personal development, which reinforces what we already know about the staff’s commitment to all children, ensuring that their best interests lie at the heart of all decision making.

"We have implemented a range of new procedures over the last year and will continue to work hard in all areas, including those recommended by Ofsted, on our journey to becoming a good school.”

Beacon Trust chief executive Robert Lakin said: “Although we still have some way to go with the overall improvement of Danesfield School, I take heart from this report, which is one of the most positive RI reports I have seen.”