School's news (From Stroud News and Journal)

School's news

A FIVE Valleys school was so keen to make the news after a successful Ofsted report that one of the parents made a celebratory front page to sing its praises.

School inspectors described Leonard Stanley Primary School as "a good school with some very good features" when they visited last year.

And headteacher Ian Smith was so pleased with the report he commissioned parent and freelance journalist Debbie Curtis to make it headline news.

"We were all delighted with the very positive Ofsted report," said Mr Smith. "I was particularly pleased with the recognition given to the staff, pupils and governors for all their hard work and commitment to the school.

"Thanks are due to Debbie Curtis for her hard work in producing this memento of this significant event in our school's history."

Debbie Curtis, who makes the framed front pages for special occasions such as anniversaries and weddings, said: "The school was rightly proud of the inspectors' findings and wanted the opportunity to mark the event for posterity.

"I was delighted to be able to help them do that." The report by education watchdog Ofsted praised the school and its teachers, saying pupils generally achieved well and had good attitudes to work.

It also applauded the leadership of Mr Smith and school governors, the school's relationship with the local community and its provision for special needs pupils.

But it did call for more rigorous monitoring and feedback on lessons and said the pupils' capacity to work under their own steam should be improved.