ELMLEA Infant School is celebrating after the education watchdog Ofsted found it to be Outstanding in all areas.
A team of three inspectors visited the school in Westbury on Trym in March and their report has just been published.
Lead inspector Ben Jordan said children’s attitudes towards their learning were exemplary. “Pupils learn exceptionally well across the curriculum,” the report said.
The ambitious approach of leaders, staff, trustees and governors was praised. ”Staff have high expectations for pupils’ behaviour and conduct. Pupils rise to this. They are welcoming, polite and courteous.
“Children listen carefully, take turns and show high levels of independence. The environment in classrooms and around the school is calm and productive. “
Ofsted rated the 270-pupil school as Outstanding for quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision.
“Pupils flourish at Elmlea Infant School. They achieve extremely well. Pupils fully understand how the school’s values help them to be kind, respectful and eager to learn,” the report said.
Inspectors praised the teachers’ strong subject knowledge and ambition for all children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
“Leaders have created a broad and rich curriculum that is designed exceptionally well. In all subjects, they have carefully considered what pupils need to know and when they need to know it.”
The strong safeguarding culture, with a mantra of ‘it could happen here’ was highlighted.
“Pupils feel safe and value the positive relationships they have with staff.”
Mr Jordan and his colleagues were also impressed with the school’s emphasis on children’s wider development, praising the range of clubs. “[Pupils] are proud of the many opportunities they have to become eco-stars, brave hearts and members of the school council. Pupils say that these roles enable them to help others and to make the school a better place.”
Executive headteacher Lorraine Wright welcomed the report, saying:
“We are delighted that following a very thorough and rigorous inspection, the Ofsted team saw and recognised the outstanding provision that we offer the children of Elmlea on a daily basis.”