A Wiltshire primary school that was inadequate five years ago has triumphed over the challenges presented by the Covid pandemic to win a good rating from Ofsted inspectors.

The latest report on New Close in Warminster praised leaders and staff for their high expectations for pupils’ learning and behaviour, which has led to pupils enjoying being at school.

During the inspection on March 22 and 23 inspectors found staff knew pupils well, were vigilant for their wellbeing and worked with parents and carers to overcome any issues preventing children from attending school.

Head teacher Louise Kilminster thanked staff the children and their families for their hard work and commitment. She said: "I am extremely proud of everything that we have been able to achieve here at New Close and I look forward to us continuing with our journey of improvement.”

The school has strengthened its pastoral support, including additional help for pupils when members of their family are away on military service, and it was found to be very inclusive, particularly for pupils with SEND.

Pupils are encouraged to be independent and self-reliant learners which prepares them well for the next stage in their education. The schools’ values teach pupils to show respect, take responsibility and be the best they can be, making the school a calm place to learn.

The inspectors found leaders needed to strengthen teachers’ subject knowledge and review assessment effectiveness in some subjects. But the report found that leaders had benefitted from working with Acorn Education Trust colleagues to share good practice.

It said the school was proud of its links with regiments serving at the nearby military base. Pupils join with the regiments at special ceremonies.

Inspectors were told by pupils that bullying did not happen and if it did, they would use a ‘worry box’ to alert an adult.

And the report highlighted the priority given to reading, the effective support for pupils and attention to staff wellbeing and workload.