A proud primary school headteacher has praised staff and pupils after a recent Ofsted report found the school “is improving towards being outstanding”.

Worlingham CEVC Primary School, in Garden Lane, Worlingham, was visited by an inspector in January who said the school “continues to be good”.

The visit was the first short inspection carried out since the school was judged to be good in June 2013.

Headteacher Vicky O’Brien believes it is the “strong sense of team” and “partnership between parents, staff and governors” which has led to the high rating.

She said: “We have high expectations which permeate the whole school. It’s a real team effort and not just down to one person.

“I think it’s recognition of the hard work of the whole staff.”

Mrs O’Brien added: “It’s the highest grading a school can achieve under new guidelines.”

In the latest visit, an inspector from the education watchdog said: “The school has demonstrated strong practice in certain areas” and “is improving towards being outstanding”.

Under guidelines introduced this year the school has now been recommended for a section 5 inspection within the next two years – which could see it achieve an outstanding rating.

Elsewhere the report said: “Staff inspire the children and pupils to value their education highly and to become independent and curious learners.

“Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is central to the work of the school and staff teach pupils to have a strong sense of morality, to be kind, helpful and to think of others.”

The inspector added: “Since the previous inspection teachers’ expectations have risen and are of an exceptionally high standard.”

Pupils’ behaviour and conduct around the school was branded as “exemplary” while staff were congratulated for ensuring pupils safety is given “the highest priority”.

The inspector said:“Parents and carers agree, overwhelmingly, that their children are safe and well looked after.”

Pupils’ attendance was raised as an “area for improvement” in the 2013 report.

However, the school “immediately addressed the issue” and now attendance over the past three years has been above the national average with persistent absences decreasing “well below” the national average.