AN OUTSTANDING achievement by a primary special school has been recognised by Ofsted inspectors. Woolgrove School in Pryor Way, Letchworth GC, has been congratulated on its excellent performance in the Ofsted inspection by being awarded an outstanding g

AN OUTSTANDING achievement by a primary special school has been recognised by Ofsted inspectors.

Woolgrove School in Pryor Way, Letchworth GC, has been congratulated on its excellent performance in the Ofsted inspection by being awarded an outstanding grade and praised for its help in improving all aspects of pupils' lives.

Ofsted found that the students' personal needs were given exemplary attention and was encouraged by the way in which the school celebrated the students' successes in the classrooms and corridors.

Woolgrove School aims to provide a happy, secure and stimulating environment and is considered not just as a school, but also as a community by pupils, staff, governors, carers and parents.

All the children at the school have a special educational need and the challenges teachers set individual students was noted during lesson observations.

One parent commented: "Woolgrove is an excellent school. The relationship between staff and pupils is excellent and staff are very supportive and caring."

The school was also praised for its excellent leadership, management and teaching.

Headteacher Bridget Walton said: "None of this would be possible without the outstanding expertise and commitment of every member of staff."

# SCHOOL pupils and staff received an early Christmas present by getting a glowing Ofsted report.

Purwell Primary School in Fairfield Way, Hitchin, impressed inspectors with outstanding achievements in art and science. Nursery and reception classes also got top marks.

Recently appointed headteacher Richard Cano said: "This is an excellent report for us as it recognises all the hard work that the staff, pupils and parents put into Purwell School."

# PEARTREE Spring Infant School, Stevenage, is of outstanding quality, an inspection concluded.

The Ofsted report of the academic year 2005/6 stated that "outstanding progress was made by pupils of all backgrounds and capabilities".

The inspectors commended the leadership of the headteacher, the teamwork of the staff and the expertise brought to the school by the governors.

The pupils' personal development was found to be excellent and the curriculum is quoted to be "exceptionally good".

The only down side from the Ofsted report was that attendance was still no better than average. In June 2000, Peartree Spring Infant School was identified as "good".

The latest report marks the significant improvement of the school as a whole.

Headteacher Julie Legg said: "All the children, staff, parents and governors are very proud to have the school's achievements recognised so publicly.

"The school is as vibrant as ever, and will continue to move forward and build upon its success in every way it can."

Miss Legg has been invited to join representatives of 25 Hertfordshire schools rated as outstanding at a special reception in February.

Headteacher Julie Legg is pictured with some of the pupils.