EDUCATION experts have praised Bere Regis First School following its latest Ofsted inspection.

Pupils, teachers and teaching assistants were commended as the school was ranked good overall, the second highest Ofsted ranking.

Certain areas – including pupils’ healthy lifestyles, community links and the effectiveness of care, guidance and support – were rated outstanding.

Head teacher Steve Battishill said: “We are pleased that Ofsted recognised the outstanding quality of the curriculum we provide for our children.

“We are proud that the inspection team recognised the outstanding partnerships we have developed with both parents and many organisations within our local community.

“As learning starts in the home and local community, we look forward to continuing these partnerships in the future.”

The report found children made good progress throughout the school, and by the end of year four they had reached standards above those expected of nine-year-olds.

Areas outlined for improvement included setting individual targets for reading, writing and mathematics, and improving resources in the outdoor learning area for reception children.