Inspectors praise 'remarkable and happy' school

A school described by inspectors as "remarkable and happy" has been rated outstanding by Ofsted.

Pupils at Briar Hill Infant School in Whitnash, Leamington Spa, were kind, respectful and "flourish as a family", which gives them a sense of belonging, inspectors said after a visit in May.

Their report said staff had high ambitions for all pupils that were realised, and strong relationships between staff and children formed the foundations of the school, where children loved to give back to the community.

Projects had included visits to a care home to play board games with residents, fundraising for charities, and forging strong links with a school in Africa.

Pupils at the infant school in Coppice Road, which takes children aged from four to seven, thrived academically, socially and emotionally, the report said.

"Staff invest time to get to know each child and they use this insight to nurture and meet their needs," it added.

The school had a "sharp focus" on teaching pupils to read, with youngsters learning as soon as they entered the reception class, and all the children enjoyed learning and behaved impeccably during lessons, inspectors said.

Inspectors noted how staff had actively responded to pupils' views and, because of their interest in archery and dance-based fitness, the school now had popular extra-curricular clubs.

"All of this provides pupils with positive experiences of this infant school where they make lasting memories," the report said.

Briar Hill recently featured as a Star School on the BBC CWR Breakfast Show.