The school was inspected by Ofsted in March 1996. This is an extract from the summary of the inspector's full report.

INSPECTION FINDINGS

Loders CE VC Primary School provides a good education for its pupils. The school is characterised by a number of strengths, not least the excellent standards of behaviour and the pupils' positive attitudes to all aspects of school life.

Headlines

• Overall, the standards of achievement are in line with or above the national expectation. They are mainly appropriate or higher in relation to pupils' abilities.
• No subject has serious weaknesses. There are strengths in design & technology, information technology, physical education, and in the core subjects of English, mathematics and science.
• Standards in reading are at least in line with the national average and often above it. In speaking and listening, writing, numeracy and information technology they are generally good.
• Pupils with special educational needs achieve appropriately and often well for their abilities.
• Standards achieved by pupils under five are commensurate with their age and abilities.
• In the vast majority of lessons the quality of learning and teaching is at least sound and a high percentage is good.
• A broad curriculum is taught enhanced by a good range of extra-curricular activities.
• The restricted accommodation inhibits the full development of some subjects, particularly in the practical and creative areas of the curriculum and in the provision for pupils under five.
• The quality and consistency of planning varies and it does not sufficiently inform teachers' planning. The quality of written reports to parents is good.
• The school provides good value for money.
• Financial control and administration are good.
• The headteacher provides effective leadership and is well supported by the staff and governors.
• The school has a strong ethos and sense of purpose.
• The moral and social development of pupils is very strong and to a slightly lesser extent their cultural development. Spiritual development is less well promoted.
• Levels of attendance are excellent.
• Toilet facilities are inadequate and in spit of regular cleaning, are unhygienic and constitute a health and safety risk.
• Communications with parents are very effective.
• The Bridport Cluster of Small Schools provides good links with other primary schools.

ACTION PLAN

Loders School was inspected by Ofsted in March 1996. The Governors were extremely pleased with the inspectors' report which began by highlighting "the excellent standards of behaviour and the pupils' positive attitudes to all aspects of school life" and went on to identify such strengths as the high standards of achievement, breadth of curriculum, range of extra-curricular activities, strong ethos and sense of purpose.

The report also identified key issues for improvement, including "improving schemes of work to include an element of assessment"; reviewing timetabling and the use of non-teaching assistants; and giving attention to the inadequate and unhygienic toilet arrangements.

The governors prepared an Action Plan to address these issues, and much has been accomplished during the past year. Timetabling issues and the roles of non-teaching assistants were reappraised swiftly and changes were made. The teaching staff were given time to draft medium-term schemes of work which expanded on the long-term curriculum plans already in place and included assessment practices. The core subjects of English, mathematics and science were tackled this year, and the other foundation subjects will follow. A new urinal was installed in the boys' toilet and the LEA are to carry out further works during the summer holiday. This will include complete refurbishment of both toilets and also the brick shed to transform it into a useful storage facility.

The Governors appreciate the sustained efforts of school staff and the LEA in moving the Action Plan forward so well, and thank everyone concerned.