ST Mary’s Infant School in Frensham has welcomed its latest ‘good’ Ofsted report and, according to its new headteacher, is looking forward to “a bright future”.

“Standards are consistently good but are on track to become outstanding,” said Her Majesty’s Inspector Dr Simon Hughes after his visit to the infant school on January 26.

Headteacher Jennifer Downing said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Dr Hughes to St Mary’s; his report reflects the essence of our village school, with high standards and happy children.”

Mrs Downing has led the school of 90 pupils for under a year and the inspector noted “an impressive start to your headship, setting high expectations for the staff and pupils. Oracy and reading standards are particularly high, pupils communicate well with adults and each other.”

He continued: “The well-being of all pupils matters most to the school. Alongside this, all staff are committed to ensuring that pupils make strong academic progress. There is a strong sense of nurture, which leads to the provision of warm pastoral care for the pupils ….. the school has a caring and compassionate ethos.”

The school was delighted that alongside positive remarks about academic prowess, robust and effective safeguarding and “admirable efforts to help pupils use technology to aid learning”, the inspector praised the children’s “joyful singing and dancing” and noted that the sports coaches used the outdoor space highly effectively, and Frensham Common for ‘forest school work’.

Children were found to achieve well in the early years and most pupils do well by the end of Key Stage 1 as the result of effective teaching.

In 2015, however, Dr Hughes said there were some dips in the typically high standards in the school. A few pupils did not reach the higher levels expected in writing and reading and some, mainly girls, did not make as much progress as expected in mathematics.

“You have accurately identified why and have taken prompt steps to ensure this is not repeated,” said Dr Hughes.

The inspector also reported: “Parents are delighted with the quality of education provided. Pupils are very proud of their school. They behave extremely well and their conduct is outstanding.”

The Board of Governors is also praised in Dr Hughes’ report for its effective work and clear and thorough records.

St Mary’s next step is to work with the new system for assessment introduced by Mrs Downing to check all pupils are consistently making rapid and sustained progress.

Reflecting on the Ofsted report, Mrs Downing added: “St Mary’s has a bright future. We are looking forward to excellent results and giving all our children a happy and positive start to their education. We are also looking forward to our new school kitchen and library, work on which is now under way.”