SPRING MEADOW A GOOD SCHOOL – OFSTED SPRING Meadow Infant School in Ely is a good school which is successful in raising standards and achievement for its children, according to Government inspectors. Inspectors from OFSTED – the Office for Standards in

SPRING MEADOW A GOOD SCHOOL - OFSTED

SPRING Meadow Infant School in Ely is a good school which is successful in raising standards and achievement for its children, according to Government inspectors.

Inspectors from OFSTED - the Office for Standards in Education - said standards in reading, writing and mathematics were above average, and the percentage of higher attaining children increased as they moved through school.

They found many parents commended staff highly for their willingness to support them and their children.

"The school reaches out to families who are new to Britain and whose children arrive with very little or no spoken English. This helps these children to settle quickly and become ready to learn," said their report.

"Because of the school's exemplary work with individual children in particularly difficult circumstances, these children make outstanding progress in their social skills as well as good progress academically," it added.

Children in turn were praised for their good understanding of right and wrong. "They are confident that adults in school will help them with any concerns. Children enjoy school because they like and trust their teachers and teaching assistants. Strengths in relationships also contribute to children's positive attitudes and good behaviour in lessons and around the school," inspectors said.

Inspectors particularly highlighted the effectiveness of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

"Children in the nursery and reception classes make good progress from their starting point in all areas of learning," they said.

Inspectors praised leadership and management at the school. "Effective school leadership and management support good teaching and learning and contribute to the school's continuing development.

"This is a school where staff pull together to improve outcomes for children. Subject leaders make a good contribution to this process," the report added.

They also said that the curriculum was enriched by a wide and varied programme of visits and special events.

The school was encouraged to extend the use of its assessment information to evaluate more rigorously the impact of school initiatives, and to provide more opportunities for children to take responsibility for their learning.

Headteacher Sheila Sands said: "We were delighted that once again inspectors recognised the way the whole school community works together to make Spring Meadow a friendly, successful school."

Spring Meadow Infant School caters for 332 children aged between three and seven.