Pupils behaviour 'exemplary' in welcoming, safe school, Ofsted inspectors find

Hallcroft Infant and Nursery School met the expected standards across the board when visited by inspectors, with particularly good attendance noted, within a school that is 'consistently calm, orderly and respectful'.

Even the youngest pupils are seen to be able to concentrate for sustained periods.

Those pupils who struggle to meet expectations receive timely support, that leads to clear improvement over time, including for pupils with special educational needs or disabilities.

Lessons were seen to be lively and engaging and there is a well planned and sequenced early years curriculum.

However, the report says that in some areas, the curriculum does not make clear the precise content that children are expected to know and remember.

Nursery children benefit from a well organised curriculum and are well prepared for key stage one learning.

Leaders 'have created a stable, committed team of staff who share their high ambition for pupils', says the report. It adds: 'Staff hold leaders in high regard...and leaders carefully consider staff's workload and wellbeing'.

Governors know the school well and use a wide range of information to check on its performance. but 'have not considered how the school will remain successful over time'.

The school is a welcoming, safe place where pupils learn well and love their school, the inspectors found.

Pupils describe it as friendly and happy. 'They enjoy lessons, are eager to learn and hold their teachers in high regard'.

Behaviour is exemplary, note inspectors, with ‘golden rules’ employed to help pupils understand what is expected of them.

Three next steps for the school were listed, moving forward; first was that the school should ensure that, in all subjects and in the early years, the curriculum consistently sets out the precise content pupils are expected to know and remember.

Secondly, leaders should put in place mechanisms that allow them to evaluate the long‑term impact of their work so that they can identify successes and areas for improvement, and thirdly, governors should plan for how potential changes in key leadership roles would be managed.

Headteacher Jo Cook, who has led the school for 13 years, said: "We are very proud of the report, particularly as it is against a new framework that is quite challenging.

"It reflects the strengths of the school, with its big family feel, and kind and caring staff who work hard.

"Attendance and good behaviour are really strong which means learning is not disrupted."

She added: "I have been at the school since 2003 and it's my pleasure to see the parents I taught now bringing their children to school here.

"We are lucky to have a committed and well established staff team."

Ofsted's 'Expected Standard' is awarded when the school is fulfilling the expected standard of education and care. This means they are following the standard set out in statutory and non‑statutory legislation and the professional standards expected of them.