STUDENTS and staff at Minehead First School have celebrated being awarded a ‘good’ rating by Ofsted inspectors.

The positive result marks just the second ‘good’ rating for the school in more than two decades, having been previously found to be inadequate after a 2019 inspection, and still ‘requiring improvement’ after a visit by inspectors in 2021.

However the latest visit by the schools regulator has seen cause for the school to come into praise, with Ofsted describing it as “A caring and inclusive school, where all are valued.”

Commenting on the rating, Headteacher, Gemma Chapman said: “I am exceptionally proud of the Minehead First School team. It is only through their combined efforts, dedication and hard work, each and every day, that Minehead First school is where it is today.

“We are thrilled to see that our new school values have shone through. Inspectors noted that ‘Pupils live up to the school’s values such as community, ambition and respect. Relationships between staff and pupils are warm and respectful.’

“They also recognised that we have ‘developed a curriculum that is ambitious’ and ‘the school has ensured that the curriculum starts in the early years and is clearly sequenced.’

“The report comments on the broad range of opportunities that the children of Minehead First School are offered. This includes ‘high–quality pastoral care’ and ‘access to a wide range of extra-curricular activities’, which we deliver through an extensive range clubs offer, both before and after school.

“The parents and carers of Minehead First are very supportive of their children and the school community, and it was lovely to see so many of them share their thoughts and feedback with the inspectors.

“The children welcomed the inspectors into our community beautifully and were keen to share their learning, talk about what makes Minehead First School special to them and model both our school values and golden rules.

“It was lovely to see them speak with such confidence and engagement, and they were fantastic ambassadors for the school throughout the visit.   The OFSTED inspector commented on how much the School Council enjoyed showing him around our school and how at Minehead First the children enjoyed celebrating each other's successes.  

“To have our children talk so positively about our school and share how they are so proud to be a part of Minehead First is the best feedback we could ever receive.

“We are incredibly pleased of the final outcomes from the Inspection. The report reflects our journey so far, and we can now look forward to the next chapter as we build on and continue to drive forward improvements across all areas of our school.”

Robert Lakin, Beacon Education Trust Chief Executive, said: "The report is a clear indication of the hard work and dedication of the entire Minehead First School community.

“The good Ofsted judgement, the first achieved since 2012, is justified. I am proud of the school and the report is a fair reflection of that.”