THE head of a Wimborne school said she is ‘delighted’ after being ranked as ‘good’ in its latest Ofsted inspection.

Wimborne St Giles CE First School were visited by two inspectors in May, and the newly-released report maintained the ranking.

It said pupils and parents valued the safe family atmosphere and the sense of community that extended beyond the homely village school building.

“The school’s values of love, hope and joy can be found in abundance,” the report said.

“Pupils treat other people and their environment with compassion and respect. They understand their place in the world and try to make it a better place.”

Wimborne St Giles has a rollcall of 71 pupils, aged three to 11.

“They understand what makes them special, the importance of honesty and what makes a good friend,” the report added.

The Ofsted team praised the children’s strong understanding of keeping safe, with older pupils becoming ‘E-cadets’ and providing internet safety sessions for the younger ones.

Inspectors also noted that children were polite and showed good teamwork, with clear and consistent routines helping pupils manage their own behaviours.

“They respond well to learning, persevering when they find tasks difficult,” it went on.

The inspectors said headteacher Philippa Hill and her team had developed a broad and ambitious curriculum, which had been adapted following the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Teachers have high expectations of what pupils can achieve. They carefully develop pupils’ thinking about their learning,” it said.

“Events like the annual readathon and termly poetry showcase develop pupils’ love of reading.”

Wimborne St Giles school joined the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust in January 2021, with inspectors praising trustees for their deep understanding of safeguarding across the school and for seeking advice from external experts to validate the work of the school.

After the report was published, headteacher Philippa Hill said: “We are delighted with this report, which shows how our school has developed an atmosphere in which everyone can flourish.

“The inspectors have really captured the joy our children have in their learning as well as the way they are growing as valuable members of the community.

“We continue to strive for excellence and have already taken action on the improvement suggestions the inspectors made.”

Mark Lacey, chief executive of the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust, said he was delighted with the outcome of the inspection.

“This report reflects the energy, enthusiasm and dedication that goes into Wimborne St Giles every day,” he said.

“Visiting the school is always a joy. The children’s evident enjoyment in their learning, their play and their collective worship is palpable.

“I am thrilled that the inspection has recognised this.”