A PRIMARY school in Staple Hill has been praised for its welcoming, inclusive environment and the rich experience it gives pupils.
Three inspectors from Ofsted visited the Tynings Primary School in Eastleigh Close in June.
They said the school met the regulator’s expected standard in all areas: achievement; attendance and behaviour; curriculum and teaching; early years; inclusion; leadership and governance; personal development and well-being.
The inspectors said: “The Tynings Primary School provides a welcoming and inclusive environment where the vision of ‘Learning through Beauty and Excellence’ encourages pupils to see the beauty in the world and strive to be and do their best.
“Leaders have created a culture of belonging, ensuring that pupils feel valued, respected and cared for.
“The school provides a rich and memorable childhood experience.
“Leaders make excellent use of the extensive outdoor environment to encourage exploration, curiosity and adventure.”
The report said the school, which has 291 pupils aged from four to 11 on its roll, has a “broad and balanced curriculum”, with improvements to the teaching of reading, writing and mathematics ensuring consistency in quality.
The inspectors highlighted the “positive start” children have in early years, and said pupils as a whole achieve in line with national averages.
The report said: “They are proud of their work, which is generally good quality.”
Teachers actively promote respect, equality and inclusion, had made “ongoing improvements” to attendance, and encourage all pupils to take part in music, art and performance.
The Tynings was last inspected in 2022 under Ofsted’s previous rating system, when it was judged to be ‘good’ in all areas.
Head teacher Lois Haydon said she was pleased that the report reflected the hard work of the whole community, despite the inspectors’ visit taking place in the middle of a heatwave.
She said she was particularly pleased with the inspectors’ comments on the childhood experience the school gives pupils and its culture of belonging.
Mrs Haydon said: “This is something we have really focussed on over the past few years, creating good lunchtime play with an OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) Platinum Award, and creating an ethos where children are allowed to be children.
“The school has four next steps to work on to achieve our aim of being ‘strong’ in the next inspection. We have already begun working on these, with a particular focus on improving further our outcomes in reading and writing.”