Following our inspection on the 13th and 14th of February 2024, we are delighted to share with you that Ofsted have judged St James Infant School as a GOOD school, with an OUTSTANDING Early Years' provision.  We are incredibly proud of these judgements.  

It is testament to the tremendous dedication and hard work of all staff, the support of parents and the collaborative approach we share - working together to ensure maximum benefit to the children.  Lastly, it is a fantastic celebration of our super children.  They make us feel so proud.

Any visitor to our school comment upon the 'family atmosphere' that is felt as soon as you walk through the door.    The supportive, creative, welcoming environment are also key features.  We are pleased that all of these things were captured in the Ofsted report:

'St James is a happy school.  Pupils enjoy attending.  This is because everyone is welcome...As one pupil typically stated, "We take care of people here and make sure that no one is lonely."

'Pupils say that their teachers are kind and helpful.'

'Children enjoy their school and their lessons.  Pupils feel safe and know that staff will sort their worries out.  Pupils behave well in and around school.'

The report also acknowledged that all staff who support children are skilled, have high expectations and secure subject knowledge:

'The school is ambitious for all pupils to achieve well.  They are especially ambitious for pupils with special educational needs and those who are disadvantaged.  The school does all it can to help pupils and their families to overcome barriers.  As a consequence, pupils do well here.'

'Pupils enjoy reading...Staff make story time fun.'

'The curriculum is well-planned.  It identifies key knowledge that pupils need to know.  It builds learning over time.'

The report also acknowledged the high quality of the early years' foundation stage (EYFS)

'Provision in the early years' foundation stage is exceptional.'

'All staff know children well.'

'Children demonstrate sustained periods of concentration, high levels of independence and work really collaboratively together.'

'Pupils explain their work with great pride.'

'Well established routines set high expectations for children.'

'Learning behaviours are incredibly positive.'

'Pupils do really well in EYFS.'

The report also acknowledged how inclusive St James is, stating that:

'Support for pupils with SEND is of high quality.'

'Pupils receive appropriate support in lessons.  The school meets the needs of pupils well and they make strong progress.'

We are very pleased with the outcome of the inspection.

Thank you to every member of our school community who work tirelessly to ensure that St James continues to be the best it can be.

The school will continue to build upon its successes - come and have a look at any time to see for yourselves.