A Coventry primary school has been praised by Government inspectors for its “hardworking and committed staff” and its “caring” attitude to pupils.

St Thomas More Catholic Primary School in Styvechale is celebrating after its recent OFSTED report gave top marks for the energetic and enthusiastic teaching at the school.

Inspectors went as far as identifying the school as one where "pupils are often swept along by the teacher's enthusiasm and energy".

The report is full of praise for the school and says there are no key issues identified for improvement. The school is described as "very good...with some outstanding features" and having "excellent leadership and management...effective teamwork" and "an outstanding ethos of commitment to achievement" ensuring that the school has a continuous focus on improvement.

Ian McNiff, Headteacher of St Thomas More School, was delighted by the report:

"This report is a testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment of all the staff, pupils and their families. I am delighted that the school has been able to build on the work of so many people who have worked industriously to create a vibrant and challenging learning environment during the lifetime of the school.

"Despite having no key issues the school is seeking to move forward and will be sharing their future plans with the community. I hope that the outcomes of this report will enable us to continue to flourish and go from strength to strength."

Monsignor Gavin, Chair of Governors, added:

"I am delighted that the school has continued to prosper. When it became a Beacon School following our previous OfSTED inspection in 1997, we knew that preserving that standard would be difficult and I should like to congratulate Ian and his excellent staff for maintaining a very high standard."

MAIN FINDINGS OF THE OFSTED INSPECTION REPORT :

The following areas are being performed well:

• Attainment is well above average in English, mathematics and science in Key Stages 1 and 2 and pupils achieve well.
• The quality of teaching and learning is very good throughout the school.
• Leadership and management are excellent at all levels.
• Pupils have very positive attitudes towards school and behave very well.
• The school provides a very effective curriculum and its procedures for assessment are exemplary.
• Provision for pupils' personal development is exceptional.

The school has made "very good progress" since its last inspection in June 1997 and the issues identified for development then have been addressed.

There are now many opportunities for pupils to show initiative and take responsibility, homework is set consistently, provision for pupils' cultural development is much improved and the library in Key Stage 2 is well stocked with interesting and stimulating books.

The quality of teaching was found to be "good or better in eight out of ten lessons..." and in half of lessons teaching was "very good, and sometimes excellent". The high quality of teachers' planning was found to be a major strength, ensuring work is matched very carefully to all levels of attainment in the class so that all pupils learn well.

The school cares for its pupils "very well" with the quality and range of curriculum being "very good" and has an excellent programme of extra-curricular activities. Its provision for pupils' development is "excellent" providing valuable opportunities to develop their spiritual awareness and their understanding and respect for their own culture, and the wider world.