During the visit on the 1st and 2nd October, inspectors found Garrick Green to be an ambitious school where its pupils are very happy and enjoy learning.

The report highlights many areas in which the school is doing well, stating that pupils work hard and listen carefully, and are kind and polite. Inspectors praised pupils for working as one big team, looking after each other and working well together in class, and said children quickly learn to become independent.

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

In the report, inspectors also said:

“Parents and carers value the nurturing environment. Staff take good care of the pupils, which makes pupils feel safe and looked after.”

“The school is ambitious for its pupils. They enjoy learning, but equally study a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum. They quickly learn to read and love the many stories that staff share with them.”

“Staff have an up-to-date understanding of curriculum and teaching methods. The subject curriculums in place have been carefully chosen and are used well. This all results in pupils developing strong knowledge across all subjects.” 

“Reading is high priority. There are books throughout the school, including outdoors. Pupils have stories to them several times a day.”

“Phonics is taught well, right from the start. Children in Reception enthusiastically learn their first letter sounds and are proud to be learning to read. Anyone who needs extra help with reading gets the support they need to help them catch up quickly.” 

“Pupils’ academic achievement at the end of school has risen over the last few years.”

“Pupils love the games and drama activities that help bring their learning to life. Through these, staff introduce subject specific language, which helps pupils become strong verbal communicators.” 

“In early years, the youngest children have lots of opportunities to learn and explore through play.”

“The school places high emphasis on pupils beginning to understand their own emotions and how this might make them feel. Pupils can name ways they might feel and know ways that they can help themselves calm down, like different breathing methods or places to go.”

Inspectors also recognised that the work the school has introduced to improve pupils’ writing ability is starting to have a positive impact, with staff placing greater emphasis on teaching fine motor skills and letter formation.

The report states that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) have clearly thought-out plans that are used well by teachers to adapt learning, and that pupils have access to a wide selection of support. Inspectors acknowledged that the school has staff with highly developed skills in supporting specific needs, and that the school has plans in place to ensure all staff have the training and guidance required to meet the needs of the pupils they work with.

Beccy Dewing, Headteacher of Garrick Green, said: “We have a lot to celebrate at Garrick Green Infant School. Ofsted have clearly recognised what we see in our school everyday; that our children are happy and love to learn. I am pleased the inspectors felt our strong sense of community and the positive relationship we have with the children and their families.

“As a school, we work incredibly hard to continuously refresh our curriculum, making it ambitious and exciting, whilst meeting the needs of our children. Inspectors have recognised this, and we remain committed to building on the positive outcomes we have seen in the past year to develop writing further.

“I am pleased the report has acknowledged the highly skilled staff we have in place to meet the needs of children with SEND. I would like to reassure parents that whilst some staff haven’t yet received training and guidance to support the diverse needs of some of the pupils they work with, plans were already in place to provide this. This will be a priority for us moving forward.

“I would like to thank all the staff, parents and children who help make our school a wonderful place to work and learn .”

Daniel Thrower, CEO of the Wensum Trust, said: “I am delighted that the hard work and dedication of the leadership team, teachers and support staff at Garrick Green Infant School has been recognised. I am particularly pleased the report recognises the close working between the school and the Wensum Trust and that staff appreciate how this helps them develop in their roles. Congratulations to everyone involved and thank you for everything you do for our children, families and communities every day.”

You can read the full Ofsted report here.