STAFF and children at a Bridgwater school are celebrating after a glowing Ofsted report found the education facility to be at a good standard.

An Ofsted inspector visited Eastover Primary School on Thursday, May 4 and Friday, May 5 and found that “pupils feel safe and happy at this school” and they are able to “broaden their knowledge of the world through many activities that take learning beyond the classroom".

The report highlights Eastover’s aim of pupils ‘discovering and growing together’ and praises the hard work of leaders and staff to "ensure the school is inclusive and provides the pastoral support that pupils need".

The inspector carried out deep dives in early reading, mathematics and art and design. During these deep dives, the inspector discussed the curriculum with subject leaders, visited lessons, looked at books and spoke to pupils about their learning.

The inspector found that the curriculum at Eastover is “ambitious and well sequenced” and that “teachers have a good knowledge of the subjects they teach”.

The school was previously judged to be good under section five of the Education Act in 2013 and again in 2017. 

Headteacher Nicola Darby, who has lead the school since January 2013, says she is thrilled to be able to celebrate the school’s third consecutive good judgement in a decade. 

Miss Darby said: "It is a privilege to be the head teacher of Eastover Primary School.

"We pride ourselves on being at the heart of the community, where staff, governors and parents put the well-being of the children at the centre of everything we do."

The school has also recently celebrated its 150th birthday in March 2023. Previous pupils and teachers were invited back to the school to view an exhibition of Eastover over the decades and enjoy a tea party with current staff and students.

Eastover Primary is a two-form entry, Local Authority school located in the Eastover area of Bridgwater. Places are still available in some year groups for a September 2023 start.

Interested parents and carers can contact the school office on 01278 422 693 for more information or to arrange a tour.