Children in Shobdon and surrounding areas get a great start to their education according to two Ofsted inspection reports just published.
Shobdon Primary School in the north of the county shares its community hall with voluntary-run Shobdon Playgroup. Children from the age of three can benefit from play sessions in the school before moving into formal education at the age of four.
Both the playgroup and the school are subjected to regular Ofsted inspections and on this occasion, both were inspected at the same time.
The inspectors concluded that the school was good with some outstanding features. The report paid tribute to the school’s strong community spirit, stating that pupils’ social development is excellent and that they make an exceptionally good contribution to school and the wider community.
The inspector reported that the children enjoy school enormously and ‘can’t wait to get through the gate’. He attributed this to lively and exciting teaching which resulted in pupils learning well.
The playgroup also received a good inspection report. Highlighted were the excellent partnership arrangements with the school which enabled children to transfer to school well and learn about the community in which they live.
As well as achieving all the requirements in relation to national education and care standards, the children were noted to be very well settled and happy.
Mrs Vicky Hancock, head teacher, said: We are very proud of our school – we are a closeknit community and the collaboration between parents, pupils and staff is excellent.
“I am grateful to a very hard working dedicated group of people who give so much time to the school, who are open to new ideas and good at taking them on board.
“With small classes, we can be flexible in the way we plan children’s learning to make sure that individual needs are catered for.
“We are delighted with the success of the playgroup which definitely adds another dimension to the school community and provides continuity for the children when they move into formal schooling.”
The school, which has 47 children on role, has been the subject of a local authority review. New houses are planned for Shobdon and the school’s rising popularity means there will be a full intake next September. Consequently the review suggests no change.