The inspector visited Barkston and Syston Primary School earlier this month and noted how standards are above average by the end of Year 6 and how teachers use a variety of approaches to engage pupils' interest, including drama.

Head teacher Sally-Anne Caunter said: "The focus of the inspection was creativity in English. The inspectors wanted to see how we inspire children to write.

"The school has been developing this area over the past two years and the range of activities provided to encourage the children to write has increased significantly, which has had a great impact on children's writing.

"Opportunities for the children to take part in drama activities have developed their speaking and listening skills, which in turn have developed their writing skills."

This term, older children have been working on a production of Bugsy Malone and the younger ones have been rehearsing for a play called Happy Hatland.

The productions have allowed them to be creative with their writing. They performed the plays at an end of term concert on Tuesday.

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