TEACHERS, pupils and lessons were all commended by inspectors after they carried out a two-day scrutiny of Gorse Covert Primary School.

Three inspectors declared the Birchwood school in Gorse Covert Road as ‘good’, after observing 22 lessons and analysing 155 questionnaires from parents, carers, pupils and staff.

In a letter, lead inspector Alan Parkinson told pupils: “Your behaviour and attitudes towards learing are good. You are polite and courteous and work well together in the classroom.

“The main reason for your good progress is that teaching is good.”

He praised headteacher Catherine Cooke and her staff for having good subject knowledge and providing activities that motivated pupils and enabled them to succeed.

In the inspection report, Mr Parkinson said: “The school is well led and managed.

“The senior leaders are well supported by a proactive governing body and dedicated team of staff. The leadership of teaching by senior leaders is effective as is the management of performance.”

The school is larger than average with 311 pupils aged four to 11 and also runs before and after school clubs.

Inspectors were impressed by the quality of teaching.

Mr Parkinson said: “In the best lessons, where sometimes outstanding teaching was seen, teaching is very well organised.

“Pupils are actively engaged in their learning and teachers’ focused supoprt and intervention enable them to make rapid progress.

“Teachers use effective questioning techniques skillfully to challenge pupils and extend their learning.”

Inspectors recommended that better use should be made of the outdoor learning areas, particularly for the reception class.

They said the school is not yet outstanding because not enough of the teaching is of that standard.

The inspection was carried out on July 5 and 6 and the report published on July 27.