A school has shared its "delight" at its latest Ofsted inspection, which saw it downgraded from 'Outstanding' to 'Good' - but heavily praised the school for its early years provision and personal development opportunities.

Dropmore Infant School in Burnham appointed two co-headteachers in September 2023 to front the school, attended by 58 children aged four to seven.

The school's last Ofsted inspection rated it as 'Outstanding' in February 2012 - with the education watchdog returning more than a decade later on February 20 and 21 to give an updated verdict.

Inspectors found pupils "eagerly" coming into the school, with staff "ambitious" of what pupils can achieve with "clear expectations of learning".

"Staff provide a warm and nurturing environment where pupils treat each other empathetically.

"Pupils build confidence by sharing their achievements in the weekly celebration assemblies and kindness awards. Pupils feel safe and behave well at this school."

Leadership roles in the playground help pupils understand responsibility and how to communicate effectively.

They are also taught about different cultures with visits to learn about Sikhism at the local Gurdwara.

Ofsted inspectors noted how the new leadership team has taken "decisive steps to strengthen and improve the school".

"Parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive about the school and the changes made," they added.

Staff's subject knowledge is secure and pupils misconceptions and misunderstandings in lessons are identified and dealt with.

Leaders identify the needs of pupils with SEND and seek to adapt the curriculum.

"As a result, pupils with SEND achieve well as they progress through the curriculum."

There is a well-established curriciulum of maths and reading and pupils in reception years in particular have "flourished" at the school.

Oftsed also noted the "exceptional" range of personal development opportunities provided to children, including opportunities to engage actively with the local community and events such as the annual country dancing festival.

The report concludes that the school has a "warm and nurturing environment" but that the new curriculum "is not yet securely and consistently showing a positive impact in all subjects".

Overall the school has been rated 'good' but 'outstanding' for its early years provision and personal development opportunities.

The co-headteachers, Mrs Nicky Waugh and Miss Amy Douglas, have said: “We are so pleased that Ofsted could see the many things that make our school special, while also supporting the range of changes that have been introduced to improve the education provided. 

“The report is a strong endorsement for the hard work of our school staff, governors and children and the close relationship we have with parents and carers."

Dropmore Infant School has a long history in Littleworth Common dating back to 1796. It retains some of its historical features including a thatched roof on the Year 2 building.