Ofsted has graded a primary school in Arnold as Outstanding in Early Years and Personal Development with an overall rating of Good.
The report said that Ernehale Infant School is an ‘ambitious school’ with a well thought out curriculum, stating, ‘The school’s values of ‘aim high, be our best, choose kindness’ guide pupils successfully in their actions and thoughts. The school’s STRIVE curriculum principles encourage pupils to work hard. They enable pupils to develop resilience, a thirst for knowledge and to be ‘empowered to make a difference’’.
Inspectors said children are happy and enjoy attending their school and that attendance at the school is good.
‘All staff have high expectations for pupils to learn and behave well,’ said the report. ‘Pupils live up to these expectations. There is a calm atmosphere in and around the school. Pupils want to learn. Pupils celebrate each other’s successes. They are caring and thoughtful.’
The inspectors found that the school provides many opportunities for pupils to hold positions of responsibility and that children take these responsibilities seriously.
Inspectors said children do well in early years foundation stage and demonstrate positive attitudes to their learning, saying, ‘Children get off to a really good start when they join in early years. It is a vibrant and purposeful place. Well-planned activities ensure that there are no boundaries to learning.’
The school’s offer for personal development is described as ‘exceptional’ saying, ‘The school provides many opportunities for pupils to develop character. Pupils learn the importance of being active citizens. Pupils regularly support charities. The school ensures that pupils know how to keep themselves safe.’
Headteacher Carmel Atkinson said she was delighted with the result.
“Ernehale Infant children were tremendous ambassadors of the school during our inspection,” she said.
“We are delighted that the visiting inspectors recognised just how wonderful they are, and how committed Ernehale staff are to making every day count for our children.
“I would like to thank the staff team for their dedication to children’s experience at school. Also, as a whole school, we want to thank our parents and carers, as it is the support they offer to their children, and to the school as a whole, which makes this such a wonderful place for children to grow and learn.”
