Good Ofsted inspection grade for Newbury’s John Rankin School – where the headteacher initially refused to allow Ofsted in

A Newbury school – where the headteacher initially refused to allow Ofsted in has been given a good rating.

The inspection report into John Rankin Infant and Nursery School, which was published today (Friday), described it as a “friendly and caring school”.

In March Flora Cooper said that she would not allow inspectors into her school, following the death of a Caversham headteacher.

Ruth Perry’s family said that the mother-of-two took her own life in January after being told that her school – Caversham Primary, in Reading – would be downgraded from outstanding to inadequate by Ofsted.

The Ofsted inspection of John Rankin did evenutally go ahead on March 21 and 22 this year – with teachers lining up outside in solidarity with Ms Cooper ahead of the inspectors’ arrival at the Garford Crescent school.

The report said that pupils loved going to school and that they were greeted by staff with “bright, welcoming smiles” each day.

“John Rankin Infant and Nursery School continues to be a good school,” the report continued.

“Leaders are determined that all pupils will thrive and achieve well.

“Behaviour around school and in class is good. Pupils treat each other and adults with respect.

“Records show that bullying is rare, but when it happens, it is dealt with effectively.

“Pupils share this view. They rightly trust adults to help them if they have a worry or a concern.”