Headteacher's pride after Burchetts Green school receives Outstanding Ofsted

An Outstanding Ofsted report is ‘testament to the dedication of everyone’ at Burchetts Green CE Infant School, according to its headteacher.

Following an inspection in March, the school has been awarded the watchdog’s highest rating in all areas inspected.

In their report, inspectors said pupils ‘get off to a flying start’ at the school, and youngsters are ‘highly motivated’ right from the beginning of Reception.

Pupils ‘excel both academically and socially’, and understand the school’s values and display them ‘in their exemplary behaviour’.

Pupils are ‘kind, caring, play well with each other’ and ensure ‘everyone feels included in their games’ and on the rare occasions that youngsters disagree, both they and their parents are ‘confident that an adult will intervene quickly and effectively’.

Inspectors said leaders have ‘designed a highly ambitious curriculum’ for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

All teachers ‘present information in a way that is highly engaging’, and ‘the ‘buzz of learning in this small school is infectious’.

Leaders promote the development of youngsters’ vocabulary and language throughout their time at the school ‘extremely well’.

“Reading and learning to read is at the heart of the curriculum,” the report said.

All staff are ‘highly trained to teach pupils to read and they do this with enthusiasm and care’ and staff spot youngsters’ who struggle to read and ensure they receive the help needed to catch up.

Inspectors stated that ‘leaders and those responsible for governance are passionate’ that youngsters’ develop a love of learning’ at the school, ‘and they do’.

Due to this ‘clear and compelling vision’, ‘staff design an exceptional range of clubs and wider curriculum activities’.

Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with leaders making sure that all staff regularly receive safeguarding training and that ‘appropriate recruitment checks are completed’.

Headteacher Rob Harris, said: “I am so proud of the team and delighted that their hard work has been recognised by Ofsted.

“This report is testament to the dedication of everyone who makes Burchetts Green Infant School so special – the teachers, the support staff, the governors and of course our amazing children.

“We work hard as a team to ensure that every child receives the best school experience.

“As a team, we are passionate about providing a rich well-rounded curriculum, meeting the needs of all children and building on their passions and interests.

“We were delighted that the inspectors recognised our work on personal development and creating an inclusive environment for all our pupils.

“We have no ceilings for our children and believe they can achieve anything with the right guidance and support.”