ARCHBISHOP Cranmer Primary School in Taunton is a good school with outstanding features, according to OFSTED inspectors.

Pupils and staff are celebrating after inspectors praised pupils for making good progress, while reserving particular acclaim for the ‘outstanding provision in the early years foundation stage’.

Findings included:

  • Pupils’ behaviour is good around school and in lessons where they work very hard
  • As a result of the school’s efforts to boost achievement, especially in reading and writing, pupils are now making good progress in years one and two
  • Teachers plan a wide range of stimulating activities which capture pupils’ interest, so that they hugely enjoy lessons
  • Pastoral care is excellent and results in pupils feeling safe and ready to learn. Support for families and children is extensive.
  • The head teacher provides strong leadership.

Head teacher Shirley McBride said: “From foundation to year six, the school’s trend in the ‘value added’ measure has been maintained over several years. We work very hard with the governors and staff to raise standards and achievement.”

Under areas for further improvement, inspectors recommended the school work on developing pupils’ understanding of how well they are doing and the small steps they need to make in lessons to reach their learning targets, and set more challenging targets to raise aspirations and accelerate pupils’ progress.