Staff and children at the school are celebrating after inspectors found it to be Outstanding in all areas during a two-day inspection in January.

In their report, inspectors said pupils are thriving, and develop excellent learning skills and behaviours which enable them to flourish and succeed. 

Inspectors said the school has a meticulous curriculum, and praised staff for their strong knowledge of what they teach, resulting in children making excellent progress in their learning. In addition, they highlighted that children with special education needs and/or disabilities are supported to a very high standard and are fully included in all aspects of school life.

Meanwhile, the arrangements for safeguarding across the school were found to be effective.

In the report, inspectors also said:

“The school is highly ambitious for what pupils will achieve.”

“Staff work closely with parents and carers to understand what pupils enjoy and what pupils find difficult. They adapt learning to help all pupils address any barriers to progression.”

“Pupils behave very well and are kind to each other.”

 “Staff regularly praise pupils for what they have done well and follow up on pupil’s interests, making sure that pupils feel valued as individuals.”

“Children’s confidence is developed right from the start.”

“The quality of pupils learning across the curriculum is very strong, particularly so with reading, writing and mathematics.”

“Pupils are given highly-effective support if needed to help them achieve well.”

“Staff thoughtfully adapt their work, where needed, to ensure pupils with SEND progress through the curriculum and achieve well.”

The report also highlighted ‘The Place’, a specially resourced provision, based at the school, for pupils with SEND. Inspectors said pupils attending The Place have excellent support to help them engage with education with staff gaining a deep understanding of these pupils and their needs. They also acknowledge that staff work closely with pupils’ permanent schools to help pupils become more confident and to make academic progress. 

Sarah Waterfield, Headteacher at Arden Grove, said: “I am absolutely delighted with the report and I believe our strength is down to all our staff members bringing together their skills and experience, and working towards a shared goal where we celebrate learning for all. 

“I am especially pleased inspectors highlighted how much we value knowing every pupil very well, adapting their learning if needed and making sure they feel valued. I am so proud of our school community where Hellesdon is in our hearts and the whole world is at our feet.”

Daniel Thrower “This report is packed full of praise for Arden Grove Infant School and rightly so. The staff work exceptionally hard to ensure children are in school, participating, enjoying their learning, and with a sense of belonging which is all part of our definition of success.

“I was especially pleased to hear staff at the school feel well-supported and through the Trust they are able to share expertise. I would like to congratulate everyone at Arden Grove and thank them for their hard work and commitment to their children, families and communities.” 

A full copy of the report can be found below.