AN OUTSTANDING school in Leicester has been praised for maintaining standards in a recent Ofsted inspection.
Catherine Infant School, in Belgrave, was inspected by Ofsted in February to see if it had taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection in 2019, when it was rated outstanding.
The inspection found that the school has indeed maintained standards, despite a change of headteacher, deputy and chair of governors since the last inspection.
Inspectors praised the school’s nurturing atmosphere and values of kindness, respect, resilience and a love of learning, which they said ‘sit at the heart of all that it does’.
They said that pupils – who range in age from 3 to 7 - thrive and are very happy at the school. There is a ‘rigorous and ambitious’ curriculum and the school places a high priority on pupils learning to read – and as a result they make ‘an excellent start’ in early years education.
Pupils’ behaviour was described as ‘exemplary’, and the school was also praised for quickly identifying and supporting pupils who need extra help, as well as pupils with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities. The school has a SEN unit funded and supported by the city council, as part of the council’s Designated Specialist Provision (DSP) across the city.
The school has also relocated to a new building since the last inspection, as part of a Government rebuilding scheme for ageing schools, with an official opening event planned for the summer term.
Headteacher Mitesh Madhaw said: “We are absolutely delighted with the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection, which recognises the dedication, passion, and hard work of our entire school community.
“Being rated ‘outstanding’ is a tremendous achievement and a reflection of the relentless commitment of our staff, the enthusiasm of our pupils, and the unwavering support of our parents and governors. We are proud to provide a nurturing and ambitious environment where every child can thrive. This report affirms that our shared vision and values are not only being lived every day, but are making a real and lasting impact. We will continue to strive for excellence and ensure our school remains a place where children love to learn and grow.”
Cllr Elaine Pantling, assistant city mayor for education, said: “This is absolutely excellent news for Catherine Infant School, which - like all our schools - the local authority is very proud to support.
“The glowing praise in this inspection shows what a wonderful impact parents, teachers, governors and the local community can have on children when everyone works together to create a caring and inspirational learning environment.
“I congratulate the whole school community on this outcome, and very much look forward to visiting them next term to see their new building!”
The Ofsted report can be viewed at https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50273123
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