A SCHOOL has been praised by Ofsted inspectors who described the early years provisions for children as “outstanding” and “exceptional”.

Roach Vale Primary School, in Parson’s Heath, Colchester, was inspected over two days in May with the final report published by the education regulator earlier this month.

Inspectors rated the school good across the board, but officials gave special praise to early years provision, rating it as outstanding for how it prepares children for their next stage of learning.

The school, which is headed by Clare Sampson and last received an inspection six years ago, has 191 pupils on the role from the ages four to eleven.

As well as providing a good academic grounding, the school also provides life skills and extra-curricular activities which serve pupils well outside the classroom, inspectors said.

Day and school trips were noted as particular activities which allow youngsters to develop greater self-confidence and explore outside interests.

Learning is clearly presented, and a range of different methods are used to check how pupils are grasping new knowledge; pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are also well catered for.

The standard of early years care was singled out for special praise by the two Ofsted inspectors, who wrote: “In the early years, the curriculum prepares children exceptionally well for the next stage of their learning [and] adults reinforce new language often to strengthen children’s use of it.”

Some elements of the school’s provisions were highlighted for improvement, however, with inspectors noting that “a few subjects are less well developed,” and that teachers needed better curriculum plans so they could deliver higher quality learning.

Responding to the report, headteacher Clare Sampson said the school community should be proud of the final rating.

She said: “This is a wonderful outcome for the school community and is testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment of pupils, staff, governors and parents.

“All staff at the school are committed to providing an ambitious and supportive education to our pupils so that they receive a great start to their schooling.

“This result ensures our community has a school in which they feel rightly proud.”