School welcomes ‘good’ Ofsted report

Bridport Primary School is a ‘happy and welcoming place’ and has been rated ‘good’ after a recent Ofsted inspection.

The 330-strong school was praised for its inclusivity. Inspectors said staff have ‘high expectations for pupils, including those with special educational needs or disabilities’.

The school was part of Minerva Learning Trust which has merged with Wimborne Academy Trust to form Initio Learning Trust.

Headteacher Michaela Kite

CHEERS:

said: “It is some time since the last inspection and this report recognises the considerable effort and hard work that has gone into making the school what it is now. The inspection was robust but fair; we believe inspectors gained a good understanding of what it means to be a member of the Bridport Primary School community. It was heartening to read how our pupils are ‘polite and considerate towards each other. We are especially proud that pupils’ personal, social and emotional development is an ‘emerging strength’. “Our curriculum was also praised, and inspectors noted how our children enjoy reading. We are proud of the extra-curricular activities we offer, and the report praised how pupils take on responsibilities and make a genuine difference to school life. There will always be areas to develop, and we are all working hard to ensure the school keeps improving.”

Vearse Farm homes scheme changes discussed

Planning chiefs will discuss proposed changes to the controversial Foundry Lea housing development in Bridport on June 15 following an unexplained delay.

Dorset Council planning committee members were due to decide if three drainage ponds at the site could be relocated last month before the item was removed from the agenda at the last minute.

Committee chairman Cllr David Shortell said the discussion had been delayed for ‘technical reasons’. So far, the council has not explained the cause of the delay. Council paperwork showed members were due to decide if one pond on the 760home estate could be reduced in size, while another is moved further north and the third one is re-shaped. Members were told if changes to the ponds were approved, they might delegate final approval for the overall scheme to officers, allowing the main building work to begin. Proposals for the 43-hectare site off the A35 include 94 per cent houses and six per cent flats. Some 70 per cent will be three or four-bedroom homes and 302 of them will be ‘affordable’.

Trefoil group’s 80th anniversary

Dorchester’s Trefoil organisation, part of the girl guiding group, has celebrated its 80th anniversary.

Members have been out litter picking, planting bulbs and picnicking among other activities to earn their 80th anniversary badge.