Church Aston Infant School has been ranked in the top nine per cent in the country by Ofsted.
The small village school this week received an ‘outstanding’ report from the education regulator after an inspection in March. That is an achievement matched by just a handful of primary schools across the UK.
In its previous inspection in 2007, Church Aston Infant School was marked ‘good’.
Delighted headteacher of 21 years Anne Garner praised her staff, governors and children.
“One thing I am particularly proud of is the acknowledgement of the exceptional team work which makes this school so good,” she said.
“It’s a real community school. To receive an ‘outstanding’ mark is as good as it gets. Its’ a brilliant place to work. That’s why I’ve been here so long, because there’s nowhere better.”
The report heaped praise on the school’s engaging and fast-paced lessons.
There was particular mention to a lesson in which children took part in African drumming while singing in the Kenyan language.
Lead inspector Patricia Pothecary wrote: “This is an outstanding school.
“The school is vibrant, harmonious and deeply caring community, enabling pupils to make outstanding academic and person progress.
“Outstanding provision, including teaching and curriculum, ensures that pupils make rapid progress in reading, writing and mathematics.
“This is a school that reaches out to the community and further afield to ensure the pupils’ experience of the world is very broad, in order to make their learning meaningful and joyful.”
The school currently has 42 pupils between the age of four and seven.
In a questionnaire, 91 per cent of parents strongly agreed that their child enjoys school. And 96 per cent of parents strongly agreed that the school keeps their child safe.
Catherine Coltman, chair of governors at the school, said: “The governing body and I are delighted with this Ofsted report.
“It recognises the excellent teamwork from all staff, parents, children and governors which makes Church Aston Infants such an outstanding school.”
by Sean Wozencroft