Ofsted say Ernehale Infant School is Good with Outstanding EYFS and personal development

“Pupils are happy and enabled to develop ‘resilience, a thirst for knowledge and to be ‘empowered to make a difference’’

There is great excitement at Ernehale Infant School in Arnold after an Ofsted inspection graded the school as Outstanding in Early Years and Personal Development with an overall grading of Good.

Headteacher Carmel Atkinson says she is delighted with the result. ‘Ernehale Infant children were tremendous ambassadors of the school during our inspection, and we are delighted that the visiting inspectors recognised just how wonderful they are, and how committed Ernehale staff are to making every day count for our children.’

The report said that Ernehale Infants is an ‘ambitious school’ with a well thought out curriculum, stating, ‘The school’s values of ‘aim high, be our best, choose kindness’ guide pupils successfully in their actions and thoughts. The school’s STRIVE curriculum principles encourage pupils to work hard. They enable pupils to develop resilience, a thirst for knowledge and to be ‘empowered to make a difference’’.

Inspectors said children are happy and enjoy attending their school and that attendance at the school is good.

‘All staff have high expectations for pupils to learn and behave well,’ said the report. ‘Pupils live up to these expectations. There is a calm atmosphere in and around the school. Pupils want to learn. Pupils celebrate each other’s successes. They are caring and thoughtful.’

The inspectors found that the school provides many opportunities for pupils to hold positions of responsibility and that children take these responsibilities seriously.

‘Well-being warriors look out for pupils who may not have anyone to play with,’ said inspectors. ‘Kindness ambassadors seek out random acts of kindness. The school celebrates these acts in assemblies; they exemplify the school’s values. Pupils talk maturely about being diversity champions. They encourage others to be considerate of difference. As one pupil stated: ‘We have to celebrate difference, as this is important and makes our world great.’

The school is praised for placing a high priority on pupils learning rich vocabulary with one child telling the visiting inspectors, ‘It’s important to use ambitious vocabulary in your writing to make you better and your work better. We need to want to be better.’

Inspectors said children do well in early years foundation stage and demonstrate positive attitudes to their learning, saying, ‘Children get off to a really good start when they join in early years. It is a vibrant and purposeful place. Well-planned activities ensure that there are no boundaries to learning.’

The school’s offer for personal development is described as ‘exceptional’ saying, ‘The school provides many opportunities for pupils to develop character. Pupils learn the importance of being active citizens. Pupils regularly support charities. The school ensures that pupils know how to keep themselves safe.’

Carmel Atkinson, Headteacher said, “I would like to thank the staff team for their dedication to children’s experience at school. Also, as a whole school, we want to thank our parents and carers, as it is the support they offer to their children, and to the school as a whole, which makes this such a wonderful place for children to grow and learn.’

The report says the school’s safeguarding is effective, and that staff are well supported in their roles. The school’s multi-academy trust, The Flying High Partnership, and school Governors were noted for undertaking their roles and responsibilities diligently.

Photograph: Headteacher Carmel Atkinson with children of Ernehale Infant Academy in Arnold. (Pic: Lou Brimble)