Heathcote Primary School has been rated as good by Oftsed after its first full inspection since opening in 2017.

The inspector found that "leaders and staff have created a curriculum that supports pupils' academic achievement and their wider development" after a review on February 8 and 9.

The school, which is part of the Community Academies Trust, was rated good in all five key areas, with just small suggestions for improvement included in the report published this March.

It said: "This is a rapidly growing school within a rapidly growing community.

"Leaders are keen for the school to be a central part of this community.

"There is a strong sense of pastoral care across the school. Staff know the pupils well. Pupils said that they feel safe because the staff care for them and look after them."

In particular it found that children at the Vickers Way school were happy and parents were pleased with the way that the school was run.

Adding: "Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are fully included in all aspects of school life."

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Improvements

Whilst the report was mostly positive, Ofsted did outline some areas where the school could improve.

Some staff members were criticised for not responding well when children lose focus.

And, despite the inspector finding that pupils were generally progressing well in their reading, the report added: "When hearing pupils read, some staff do not have the required knowledge and expertise to help pupils practise and improve their phonic skills effectively."

Ofsted also said that at times some of the most able children were held back particularly in maths classes.

"Leaders need to make sure that staff have the expertise and confidence to know when pupils are ready to move on, so that learning can be deepened," the report said.