A HAMPSHIRE infant school is celebrating after being rated 'outstanding' at its latest Ofsted inspection. 

Bishop's Waltham Infant School pupils were described as 'joyful and successful' in the inspectors' report.

Ofsted visited the infant school on November 28 and 29 last year. 

The report said: “Expectations from the start of early years are high, with no ceiling put on aspirations for all. Pupils rise to meet these expectations, achieving exceptionally well across the curriculum. 

“Behaviour is exemplary. Pupils are impeccably polite, compassionate, and respectful. They help each other to act with kindness by celebrating fellow pupils using the school’s well-embedded ‘badger values’.

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“This school strives to make the world a better place. Pupils raise money for charities, embrace diversity and celebrate different cultures through well-designed curriculum and assembly activities.

“The curriculum has been skilfully developed and adapted to engage and excite pupils. All subjects are carefully planned with precise knowledge, skills and key vocabulary. Everyone shares the same high regard and rigour to help all pupils learn to read well.”

The report added: “Professional development for staff is prioritised. As a result, teachers plan, design and teach activities that support and challenge pupils well. Teachers ensure that discussion times give pupils opportunities to think, reflect and share. Lessons include recall activities to help pupils remember their learning over time, so they can make impressive connections when discussing their studies. Pupils love seeing their efforts celebrated, and beam with pride when their parents visit to see the learning outcomes at the end of projects.

“Leaders are dedicated, inspirational and reflective. Morale is buoyant across the passionate, highly skilled staff team. Governors show expertise and diligence when monitoring the school’s work. They offer superb support and challenge to help leaders fulfil their high ambition. As a result of the excellent shared practice and values of leaders, governors, and staff, pupils thrive in this exceptional school.”

Headteacher Ginene Riches said: “Our whole staff team is dedicated to making sure that learning is memorable and exciting for the children who attend. We are overjoyed that the team who inspected us recognised this and the many strengths of our school. Our innovative curriculum, underpinned by key learning values, ensures that children have the opportunity to excel in all subjects, learning skills and knowledge to support their journey throughout their time with us. 

“Wellbeing for all is always a priority in our school and our governors were praised for recognising the importance of this. Staff surveyed were overwhelmingly positive about working in our school, which reinforced our whole school togetherness. 

“I have been the headteacher at Bishop's Waltham Infant School for the last fourteen and a half years, leading the school through two ‘outstanding’ Ofsted judgements and I could not be prouder of our school leaders, teachers, learning support assistants, office staff, lunch staff, site staff, children, governors, helpers and parents who each have their role to play in making our school an exceptional place to be. At the end of our inspection, the lead inspector said to the governors ‘I wish my son came here’, which was a lovely end to an intense, rigorous two days.”