A school in Letchworth, where there is a "broad and ambitious curriculum", has retained its rating of good from Ofsted.

"Garden City Academy is a happy school", where pupils "respond well to high expectations of their behaviour and achievement", the Ofsted report says, following an inspection of the school in June.

The report continues: "The school’s broad and ambitious curriculum is securely focused on ensuring that all pupils achieve well in this small and inclusive school community.

"Promoting a love of reading is at the heart of the school’s curriculum for pupils of all ages."

The education watchdog found that the high proportion of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported.

"The special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) makes sure that staff have the information and guidance required to meet pupils’ needs effectively," the report highlights.

Ofsted said pupils’ achievement is improving across all year groups, but noted that "in recent times, significant staffing changes interrupted aspects of ongoing improvement planning".

It said that many staff, including some subject leaders, are new, which "means that, in a few subjects, the curriculum is still developing as the school evaluates what is working well and what needs to continue to improve".

However, Ofsted said the [academy] trust has acted swiftly with support, to keep the quality of education on track.

"Well-considered developments, for example to address historically weaker outcomes in reading and writing for pupils at the end of Key Stage 2, are proving successful," it said.

Headteacher Samantha Ruck said: "I am delighted that we have retained our Ofsted 'good' rating in our recent inspection. As headteacher, I am so proud of this recognition as it is an endorsement of the hard work, energy and commitment of pupils, staff, governors, parents and carers.

"With this second consecutive good grading, families and the wider community can be confident in the direction we are taking as a school, and our relentless drive to improve outcomes and life chances of our pupils.

"The importance of reading, the enrichment of 11b411 [ensuring every child has the same access to important experiences], and our broad and ambitious curriculum are some of the strengths noted by the inspector.

"I am very excited to continue the good work already recognised, to further improve our school. I am so proud to be headteacher at Garden City Academy."