Staff and students at a Swindon primary school are celebrating after receiving a glowing Ofsted report.

Inspectors stopped by in early July and then rated Drove Primary School as Good overall while singling out the personal development area as being Outstanding.

Inspectors highlighted that “staff and pupils are proud to be part of a large, but close-knit, community that is working together for a common purpose”.

The curriculum for personal development was described as “exceptional” with leaders carefully considering the needs of all pupils. The report also acknowledged the “powerful focus on ensuring that the curriculum reflects the diversity of pupils’ backgrounds”.

Inspectors also praised Drove Primary School for ensuring that pupils understand why it is important to do their best, mentioning that “everyone is valued” at the school and “each new pupil gets the help they need to settle in swiftly.”

Headteacher Bryony Bardwell said: “We are very happy to be sharing such a positive Ofsted report which really reflects the strength of our welcoming school community.

“I want to thank our pupils, staff and parents and carers for all their support and all the effort they put in every single day.

“We are all looking forward to continuing to progress together.”

Inspectors also reported that pupils attend happily and are safe, the school is highly inclusive and meets the varying needs of individual pupils, and that reading is prioritised as soon as children start nursery.

They praised the calm, sociable and purposeful atmosphere within the school as well as its well-planned curriculum from Reception to Year 6.

In terms of room for improvement to reach an Outstanding grade next time around, Ofsted pointed out that “in some subjects, the way in which the curriculum is taught is not fully effective [and] does not help pupils to learn the knowledge and skills they need” or “build on prior learning”.

Most Early Years staff support children to develop their language, early mathematics and physical skills, but the report notes that “some staff do not have the expertise they need to teach the curriculum effectively”.

The school is part of the White Horse Federation, whose interim CEO and director of education Simon Cowley said: “Congratulations to everyone at Drove Primary School! It is particularly brilliant to see that the curriculum for personal development has been recognised for being exceptional.

“We look forward to seeing Drove Primary continue to support children to reach their full learning potential in such a nurturing and inclusive environment.”