Victoria Infant and Nursery School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. This is an exceptionally caring school where all staff show their dedication in supporting pupils and their families.

Children get off to a flying start in early years where they become very inquisitive and highly motivated in learning new things. They achieve well. By the time they leave Year 2, most pupils reach standards that are above the national average in reading and writing.

Standards in mathematics are broadly in line with the national average and improving rapidly across year groups. Pupils are extremely well prepared for the next stage in their education. Throughout their time at school pupils make outstanding progress... both in their academic achievement and personal development.

Most disabled pupils and those with special educational needs usually make progress at rates similar to their classmates, as do disadvantaged pupils. Outstanding teaching stimulates and supports pupils' exceptional learning. They are enthused and excited by wide ranging activities both within school and beyond.

Pupils' behaviour is exemplary because, from an early age, they are effectively encouraged to respect each other and the adults around them. Pupils are keen to come to school. This is reflected in above average attendance.

Exceptional links with external agencies and families lead to highly effective support for pupils whose circumstances might make them vulnerable. As a result, pupils say they feel very safe. Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding is extremely well developed.

The subjects taught include a wide range of sporting activities and pupils gain valuable experience through the arts and using modern technologies. In addition, pupils' lives are enriched by a wide range of visits and after-school activities that provide memorable experiences. The school is exceptionally well led and managed.

All staff are given targets directly linked to improving the school. However, not all targets are precise enough in how they will be measured. The executive and acting headteachers inspire staff to always give of their best.

They also play a key role in helping staff in other schools to raise the quality of teaching and learning. Governors are highly effective and fully involved in all aspects of school life. All staff, including leaders, managers and the governing body, work extremely well as a team.

Their successful actions have led to sustained improvements in the quality of teaching and pupils' achievements.

Information about this school

Victoria Infant and Nursery is an average sized school. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils supported by the pupil premium is much higher than that found nationally.

The pupil premium is additional government funding for pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and children who are looked after by the local authority. The proportion of pupils with special educational needs is much higher than the national average. Almost all pupils are White British.

A much smaller than average proportion is from minority ethnic backgrounds. Similarly a very small minority speak English as an additional language. The early years provision is part time in Nursery and full time in Reception.

The school has close links with the Children's Centre which is on the same site. Almost half of the children are supported by 'Early Help' which involves a range of professional services working with the school to support families. The school manages child care provision on site which is subject to separate inspection and receives a separate report, available on the Ofsted website.

Several pupils join the school during Key Stage 1. The school holds numerous awards. Since the previous inspection the school has gained Artsmark Gold Award for the third time, the National Quality label and European Quality label award.

The school has links with several overseas schools. The executive headteacher is a National Leader in Education. The acting headteacher leads the West Coast Teaching School Alliance and is vice-chair of the West Coast Local Alliance.

Together with other leaders and managers in school who are Specialist Leaders in Education, they provide support for other local schools. The school is an accredited provider for training new teachers. The school is a National Lead School in the network of the Teaching Excellence in Computing Science.