Selston Church of England Infant and Nursery School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. Children thrive in the happy, family atmosphere of this school.

All make outstanding progress in their learning and personal development. More pupils in Year 2 exceed the expected standards for the end of Key Stage 1 than pupils nationally. What the school does to help pupils read is excellent.

They become confident readers who love books and stories. Teaching is outstanding overall and never less than good. All teachers have excellent relationships with their pupils.

Teachers' knowledge of pupils helps them to match work carefully to get the best out of them. Occasionally, pupils are not given enough opportunities to wo...rk independently or think for themselves and use their own ideas. Teachers mark pupils' work regularly using a system which pupils understand.

However, school leaders are aware that pupils have not been consistently given the opportunity to respond to the marking to help them develop their learning further. Pupils enjoy their lessons and work hard because teachers make learning fun, imaginative and exciting. Behaviour in the school is exemplary.

Pupils play together well in the playground supported by enthusiastic adults. Lunchtimes are enjoyable occasions to play and chat with friends. As a result, pupils say they feel very safe in school.

All members of staff say they enjoy working in the school and are fully committed to ensuring that pupils receive the best education they can. The headteacher and senior leaders have an in-depth knowledge of the school's strengths and areas to develop. As a result, they are quick to address any concerns.

For example, they have successfully and rapidly improved the learning of letters and sounds (phonics). The governing body acts as a highly effective critical friend, enabling the school to improve and develop successfully. Governors understand the school's priorities well and have very good procedures to check first-hand what is happening in school.

The curriculum is outstanding. It is organised so that there are clear steps to build up knowledge and understanding, but in a way that is relevant, exciting and practical.

Information about this school

Selston Church of England Infant and Nursery School is smaller than the average-sized primary school.

The very large majority of pupils are White British. The percentage of pupils who are eligible for pupil premium (which provides additional funding for pupils in local authority care, those known to be eligible for free school meals and pupils with families in the armed services) is below average. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported by school action is below average.

The proportion supported by school action plus or a statement of special educational needs is also below average. The headteacher took up the appointment in September 2011. The headteacher, deputy headteacher and the leader of the Early Years Foundation Stage give support and guidance to other senior leaders and schools in the local authority area.