An outstanding start to pupil’s education at St Mary’s Infant School, Shackleford

St Mary’s Infant School, Shackleford, has been assessed as ‘Outstanding’ in its recent Ofsted Inspection in February 2019. Headteacher, Mrs Serena Roberts said:

“I am so proud of this achievement that reflects the drive and dedication of my team in this small rural school where “Creating a Love for Learning” is what we do best.”

One of the great strengths of small schools, such as St Mary’s, is that everyone, knows every child. This is vital in these early years so that we can spot any difficulties and respond to them quickly, including any children with special needs. Working as a close-knit team helps to ensure the best outcome for every child, and we pride ourselves on creating a welcoming and nurturing family environment. As the Ofsted Report comments:

”Everyone plays their part and, collectively, do their best to achieve great things in this small school. The impact of this was clearly noted by parents, who feel the school provides their children with the best possible start in life…Staff quickly recognise any weaknesses in performance and address these head on. As a result, standards continue to improve.

Since the last Ofsted Inspection in 2009, there have been significant changes in all areas of school life, and standards and expectations have risen across the curriculum, including safeguarding and the children’s well-being, which have become essential aspects of the school’s role.

The school also strives to develop the whole child with extra-curricular activities and, under Mrs. Robert’s leadership, has developed the Creative Curriculum and introduced Philosophy for Children (P4C), which teaches even the youngest children caring, collaborative, creative and challenging thinking skills, building resilience and confidence in group settings.

Outdoor learning and exploration at school, play an increasingly important part in the children’s development and the school has continuously improved and added to its outdoor facilities including access to private woodland, our school garden, tree-house classroom and orienteering course. The Ofsted Report continues:

“The broad and high-quality curriculum ensures that pupils throughout the school make rapid progress in a range of subjects”.

We aim to give all our children an outstanding start.