A school where pupils become "confident readers, writers, mathematicians and scientists” has said it is “thrilled” with its latest Ofsted report.

Beechfield School, in Gammons Lane, received a ‘good’ rating in all categories, the second highest of four possible ratings.

Inspectors praised the “enthusiastic” students and “well trained” staff after they received “overwhelmingly positive” feedback from parents.

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    Head teacher Gillian Jackson said: "I am so proud of the children at Beechfield. They live up to our school motto of being kind, working hard and loving learning.

    “We have a dedicated staff team who are fully committed to ensuring the children have an education that meets their needs.”

    Watford Observer: Beechfield StudentsBeechfield Students (Image: Beechfield School)
    The inspectors, who visited in May, carried out 'deep dives' into early reading, mathematics, science, history, and geography at the primary school.

    The curriculum in place for some subjects was found to be clearly defined but less organised for others and pupils were less confident in these areas.

    In the Ofsted report, published in July, they said: “Pupils become confident readers, writers, mathematicians and scientists

    “Pupils achieve well in reading and develop their knowledge of language and deepen their understanding of texts.
    Watford Observer: Beechfield students with teacherBeechfield students with teacher (Image: Beechfield)

    “A wide range of visits and visitors to school complement the curriculum pupils are learning.

    “Pupils are developing their interests and aspirations for their future careers.”

    However, the report added that the school must improve at identifying students who need additional teaching to develop their confidence and fluency in reading.

    It went on: “Some older pupils who receive additional teaching for their reading do not catch up as quickly as they could.”

    Watford Observer: Beechfield Students. Picture: Beechfield SchoolBeechfield Students. Picture: Beechfield School (Image: Beechfield school)
    The inspection was the school’s first since becoming an academy in 2018. It had previously been rated ‘good’ in 2013 after being rated 'satisfactory' in 2011 and 2007.

    The school added that it is also proud of its recent Key Stage 2 results, which were above the national average in reading, writing and maths with 91 per cent of students reaching the expected standard in maths.

    Safeguarding arrangements at the school were found to be effective and the curriculum is well adapted for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

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