A school says it is “so proud” after Ofsted inspectors boosted its rating after seeing pupils “enjoying learning and playing together”.

Woodhall Primary School in South Oxhey was inspected over two days in November and found to be ‘good’, the second highest of four possible ratings.

The report comes after it was found to require improvement in February 2019.

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During the latest visit, pupils were found to enjoy attending the school and parents were “overwhelmingly positive”.

The inspectors highlighted a parent comment: “Woodhall School is a very nurturing, small, family-orientated school. Always willing to help and go the extra step.”

Pupils were described as “polite and well mannered”, “determined”, and “fluent and confident readers” by year six.

Headteacher Michelle Lake said: “I am so proud that the hard work and support of our Woodhall family, including the whole staff team, governors, children and parents, has resulted in this excellent report and recognition for our unique provision.

Watford Observer: Woodhall Primary SchoolWoodhall Primary School (Image: Woodhall Primary School)

“We are an inclusive family-oriented community school where positive relationships are valued, children are nurtured, and high aspirations are promoted for all.

“If parents would like their child to attend our fantastic school, they would be very welcome at Woodhall.”

After Woodhall's previous inspection, effective leadership and management, quality of teaching, and outcomes for pupils were all been found to require improvement. When the latest report was published on December 16, inspectors confirmed all categories had improved to a good standard.

However, Ofsted still identified areas for improvement.

They wrote: “Children starting in early years require a language-rich curriculum. Currently, some children are not learning key vocabulary quickly enough to prepare them for year one.”

Inspectors also want to see school leaders more "clearly and fully" define the knowledge they want pupils to learn by the time they leave.

Mrs Lake said these areas had been recognised by leadership and were already included in the school’s development plan.

Provision for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities was described as “broad and ambitious”, with safeguarding arrangements found to be effective.