STRONG community spirit and support for parents has ensured a primary school remains popular with the education watchdog.

Alfred Sutton Primary School retained an overall ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted following a visit of the Wokingham Road school in January.

It was the first time inspectors looked at the facilities since October 2012 and head teacher Robert Howell was held with high regard for working ‘diligently’ after the retirement of Valerie Preston.

A short inspection report, compiled by Catherine Old on behalf of Ofsted, found vast improvements in the governance of the school and satisfaction of children.

The report, published at the end of February, reads: “You, your leaders and governors have worked diligently to improve standards and several other aspects of the school.

“Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school They cite the strong community spirit that you have created and praise especially the care and support adults provide for pupils.

“Pupils say that they feel safe in school and are confident that an adult will help them if they have any worries. Teachers help pupils to understand how to stay safe in their community, for example when crossing roads and riding bicycles.  “Your effective subject leaders make sure that the curriculum is broad, balanced and is increasingly a strength.

“Leaders and governors have made sure that recruitment procedures are robust and that staff training in child protection is thorough. Staff are dedicated to making sure that pupils are safe. They know how to recognise potential concerns and speak confidently about how to report them.”

As well enjoying roles of responsibility, children loved the opportunity to go on school trips, including recent trips to a science laboratory and singing at the O2 in London.

The progress of disadvantaged children has improved since the last inspection and pupils demonstrated a strong work ethic thanks to the school’s set of values, known as ‘Sutton Six’.

The inspector said the school could do more to ensure pupil attendance is higher, with a number of incentives already in place to reward children and inform parents about the effects of having time away from school.