SAFEGUARDING children against wild boar isn’t at the top of most teachers’ job description, but it was recognised as part of the job in an Ofsted report that has ‘thrilled’ everyone involved at a local school.

Pupils, staff and governors are celebrating the report, which has just been published following an inspection visit to Heart of the Forest Community Special School in January and concludes that the school continues to be good.

Head teacher Melissa Bradsaw said: “We are all thrilled with the comments made in the report. The inspectors stated that ‘all pupils are making at least good progress from the youngest children to the oldest student. They enjoy coming to school, learning and developing their understanding of the world throughout the school day.’

“Ofsted celebrated the fact that pupils and families are proud to be part of the Heart of the Forest learning community and that ‘independence and life-preparing learning skills are at the core of what the school does’.”

The report included the finding that, ‘leaders and the governing body keep a coordinated eye to ensure that pupils are kept safe and secure, for example by adapting the school buildings and external site to keep out the local wild boar.’

Pat Byett, chair of governors, added: “The governors at Heart of the Forest are delighted that the excellent Ofsted report highlights the quality of education and the exciting opportunities that are offered to all pupils in the school.

“This is due to the hard work of the talented and dedicated staff we have at Heart of the Forest. We look forward to continuing our support of the school in the changing times ahead.

“We also believe that we are the only school in the country which receives comments in an Ofsted report that we effectively safeguard our pupils around the wild boar.”

Anybody who would like to find out more about the school can arrange a visit by calling 01594 822175 or emailing Melissa on [email protected]