'Good' Ofsted report for Newbury school

St John the Evangelist Nursery and Infant School received a glowing report from a recent Ofsted inspection

ST JOHN the Evangelist Nursery and Infant School is a ‘good school' where safety always comes first, according to Ofsted inspectors.

In a recent inspection, Ofsted inspectors recognised that some elements of the work of the Newbury school were outstanding, while arrangements for safeguarding pupils were also outstanding and attendance and attainment among pupils were both above average.

In their report, inspectors said: “Highly effective work to promote equality of opportunity and the excellent attention that is paid to care, guidance and support enables all groups of pupils to achieve equally well.

“There are examples of individual pupils facing particularly challenging circumstances who make exceptional progress socially and academically.”

Inspectors also noted good improvement since a previous inspection in 2008 and in their report, they said this indicates the school's good capacity for further development.

However, in order to improve, inspectors said the school needs to provide all groups of pupils with more opportunities to develop their own ideas and extend their learning, while they said the school should also strengthen community cohesion nationally by implementing plans for pupils to make links with a school in the UK that differs from its own.

This was despite the inspectors noting the promotion of community cohesion at local and international level, with inspectors identifying that pupils' learning was enriched by direct links with children in Bangladesh and Ghana.

The headteacher at the school, Jan Goodenough, said she was delighted with the report, adding that it was testament to the hard work and commitment of everyone involved with the school.

Meanwhile, West Berkshire's executive councillor for education, Barbara Alexander (Con, Compton), said: “This is a really glowing report. The school should be extremely proud that their efforts have been so clearly recognised and congratulations are in order for both staff and pupils.”