Ofsted offered heaps of praise for a Watford school but it must face another full inspection after evidence it is no longer ‘outstanding’.

Parkgate Junior School said it was happy to see the inspector that visited over two days in July noticed it is “a welcoming and vibrant school” which is “ambitious for every pupil, including for pupils with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities)”.

Although it is pleased with the feedback in the ungraded report, a spokesperson added that “as ever, we will be striving to retain our ‘outstanding’ judgement when we are visited again” because the next report will be graded.

When Ofsted has judged a school to hold the highest possible rating it will then normally go back once every four years to confirm that it is still ‘outstanding’, which is known as an ungraded inspection.

The outcome from the latest report, published yesterday (September 17) said: “There has been no change to this school’s overall judgement of outstanding as a result of this ungraded inspection.

“However, the evidence gathered suggests that the inspection grade might not be as high if a graded inspection were carried out now.

Parkgate Junior School pupils.Parkgate Junior School pupils. (Image: Parkgate Junior School)

“The school’s next inspection will be a graded inspection.”

Among a wide range of positive feedback, Ofsted found that the Southwold Road school’s “main strength” is being ambitious for every pupil, with a regularly reviewed curriculum - and teachers holding good subject knowledge - leading to good progress.

Pupils were praised for consistently following rules and routines, showing self-control, and enjoying reading to gain a wider understanding of vocabulary and language structure.

Headteacher Sarah Pipe said: "We are delighted that our Parkgate family of pupils, parents, staff, governors, and local community were all able to show Ofsted how we work together to make sure the pupils get the most out of school and delivering the very best for them."

Two areas for improvement were given, with Ofsted asking the school to ensure all staff consistently provide specific feedback in foundation subjects and in their writing - and check this feedback is acted on - for the next inspection.

The school has seen an increase in pupils with SEND since the previous inspection. Its report said that suitable adaptations and adjustments are made so that the pupils can fully access the curriculum but wanted the school to make learning targets for a few pupils with SEND more precise.