STAFF and pupils at a school in Chard are celebrating after receiving a ‘good’ Ofsted report for the first time in 20 years.

Manor Court Primary School had an inspection team visit on December 3 and 4, and have now been awarded ‘good’ ratings across every area.

Senior staff returned to from the Christmas break to the lovely news, and headteacher Luke Talmage wrote to parents earlier this week informing them

He said: “Much work has been completed since the previous inspection in 2017 and we are delighted to inform you that Manor Court Primary School has been judged to be a ‘good’ school.

“This is the first time that the school has received an overall judgment higher than ‘satisfactory’ or ‘requiring improvement’ in an Ofsted inspection since 1999.

“The three inspectors were extremely complimentary of the children and staff who attend and work in our school.”

The report assesses the school’s quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.

The school’s previous full inspection was held in July 2017.

While the early provision was ranked ‘good’, all the other areas were given ‘requires improvement’ status.

However, Mr Talmage had only just taken over at the school, and the report said: “The new headteacher and more effective external support have raised expectations across the school. Outcomes are improving.”

Two years on and their hard work has seen great results across the board.

The new Ofstead report, prepared by lead inspector Wendy Marriott, said: “Manor Court pupils develop as well-rounded individuals because of the school’s broad curriculum.

“Teachers plan experiences that inspire awe, teach new skills and help pupils to have fun safely. Pupils quote stargazing, learning to knit and ‘water fights’ as some of the most memorable.

“Every parent who responded to Parent View was positive about what the school offers pupils through sport, art and musical opportunities.

“Leaders make sure that pupils take part and make the most of their time in school.

“One pupil, said, ‘They look after us here’.”