Ashby-de-la-Zouch Church of England Primary School has retained its 'Good' rating in its recent Ofsted report.

The Burton Road-based school has been described as 'joyful and inclusive' by inspectors following a visit in November.

Their reports says pupils show high levels of engagement in lessons and talk positively about their learning. 

High expectations are upheld consistently by all staff. 

The report adds: "Pupils know that the school's mission is to help them to be 'ACE', which involves: achieving potential; challenging creative minds; and encouraging and nurturing talents. 

"Pupils' differences are celebrated. Relationships between staff and pupils are strong. As a result, pupils develop a deep sense of belonging. Pupils are well-mannered and interact with each other respectfully. 

"The school's Christian values are lived out by both staff and pupils. Effective support is in place for pupils who struggle to manage their emotions and behaviour. 

"Pupils access a range of additional learning experiences. These include a wide range of trips, clubs and the opportunity to take on different areas of responsibility. Pupils are proud of these roles. "

The report says that one pupil said: 'My main job is to try to make the school a better place.' 

Ofsted has outlined what the school does well and what it could do better.

It adds: "The school's curriculum is ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) or those who are disadvantaged. Pupils achieve well and talk about their achievements with pride. 

"The mathematics curriculum is well sequenced and resourced. Lessons provide pupils with the opportunity to develop their fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills. Each lesson includes regular opportunities to recap previous learning. 

Ashby-de-la-Zouch Church of England Primary School. Photo: Instantstreetview.com

"This helps pupils to know and remember more of their learning in this subject. 

"One pupil said, 'The reflect section of our lesson is where we put all of the bits of learning from the lesson together and think about it in a different way.'

"Some subject areas are more developed than others. In a small number of subjects, the curriculum is new. The systems to check pupils' understanding are not yet in place. In these subjects, pupils do not consistently recall their learning. 

"The provision is well resourced both indoors and outdoors and relationships between adults and children are warm and nurturing. Children interact happily in all areas of the provision. They learn about healthy lifestyles. One child said, 'If you only eat sweeties my teeth could fall out… I need to be brushing my teeth!' Children are well prepared for the next stage in their education. 

"There is a strong reading culture. The school regards reading as the gateway to the rest of the curriculum. Pupils enjoy reading. Staff are well trained in teaching phonics and early reading. The reading books that pupils take home are well matched to the sounds that they learn in their phonics sessions. This supports pupils to develop their decoding skills. Extra support is in place for pupils who require it. 

"Pupils understand the fundamental British values and can relate them to their own lives. One pupil said: 'We vote for everything. The children get a right to have a voice in everything we do.' Another pupil said, 'Tolerance is where you let people with other beliefs or skin colour or gender live around you and you are accepting of that.'

"Pupils know about different world faiths. Staff, including early career teachers, feel well supported with regard to workload. They say leaders are approachable and visible. Staff appreciate the consideration taken towards their well-being. They access a wide range of training opportunities. Staff say they are proud to work at the school."