AN ISLE of Wight primary school is celebrating retaining its ‘good’ status following its latest Ofsted inspection – praised for its personal development in particular.

Ofsted inspectors paid Nettlestone Primary School, on Nettlestone Hill, a visit last month.

They found its pupils appreciate the school values, which are known as ‘mission possibles’.

The five missions are interwoven across all areas of school life and are used to teach pupils essential life skills, such as respect, resilience and making healthy choices.

They described it as “a caring school”, with the relationships between adults and pupils “kind and respectful”.

Inspectors noted how pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, are well supported by adults in lessons.

They found the school has designed an ambitious curriculum, and staff plan engaging trips and visits, but in some subjects, staff do not check pupils’ understanding with sufficient accuracy.

They also found the curriculum in early years is not yet fully developed in some areas of learning.

The report goes on to reveal how reading is a priority and taught well, and pupils are supported to develop into fluent readers.

Inspectors picked up on how staff use clear strategies to identify pupils with barriers to their learning, and how the school ensures appropriate support and intervention helps pupils with SEND make progress through the curriculum.

Kirsty Howarth, executive headteacher at Nettlestone Primary School, said: “I could not be prouder of our whole community. 

“It is wonderful to see so many positives highlighted within the report. 

“The inspectors recognised that our children were fabulous and very proud of their school, and that staff go above and beyond to give the best possible learning opportunities. 

“I am incredibly lucky to work with such a wonderful team and such a supportive community.”

Ian Watterson and Mick Day, co-chairs of governors, wrote to all parents to share their congratulations.

They said: “Whilst the inspectors identified our many strengths, they also highlighted two areas for improvement.

“These did not come as a surprise to senior staff or governors as we were aware of these issues already and plans are already in place to address them during the next school year.

“Thank you to the whole team who all contributed in their special way.”