A CHINGFORD school has received a positive report from inspectors.

Teaching and learning at Normanhurst School, an independent school in Station Road, were both deemed “good” and student care was described as “outstanding”.

Reporting inspector Dr Stephen Grounds, of the Independent Schools Inspectorate, said: “The care that staff devote to the well-being of pupils is an outstanding feature of the school’s provision and is an aspect which has been strengthened since the last inspection.

“The caring and supportive ethos of the school is very evident and the school’s pastoral aims are met.”

Inspectors also praised the school for developing links with the wider community and for its family ethos.

Dr Grounds added: “In both the junior and the senior school, achievements are good in a wide range of accomplishments.

“At an academic level, pupils at all stages are securely and appropriately grounded in knowledge and understanding of the subjects provided by the school and this reflects the school’s aim for all pupils to learn and flourish.”

The school's nursery and reception were also deemed to have outstanding provision.

Headmistress Helen Kacouris said: “This was a team effort and all staff and pupils should be rightly proud of their achievements.”

Some areas for improvement were identified, include providing opportunities for pupils to be creative and to work independently and in groups or pairs.

Inspectors also stated that staff needed to “refine the teaching so that there is more effective provision in lessons for pupils’ differences in ability, and especially for the more able”.

Dr Grounds said: “The school should allow sufficient time and emphasis for new policies and procedures to become embedded and reviewed.”

Teaching overall was graded as good throughout the School, with some lessons graded as outstanding.