The New Forest C of E Primary School in Nomansland praised for being ‘warm and welcoming’ in Ofsted report

A SCHOOL in Nomansland has been praised for being a “warm and welcoming” school where pupils feel “safe and cared for”.

Ofsted inspectors found that children at the New Forest C of E Primary School are encouraged to “form strong and trusting relationships” with staff and that they can “talk to them about any worries, or concern”.

The school has “high expectations for pupils’ achievement and conduct”, with children being “focused, attentive and trying hard during learning time”.

Children quickly “learn the routines and expectations well”, and were said to play well together.

All pupils are given opportunities to develop talents, interests and responsibilities, and “have a strong voice in the school”, said the report.

The range of clubs, including yoga, science and computing, was also highlighted.

Children are encouraged to be “responsible citizens and make a positive contribution”, said inspectors, who said they were proud of the range of responsibilities they hold, including as eco councillors, librarians and spiritual leaders.

The school has developed an “ambitious curriculum” for pupils, identifying those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

All pupils achieve well across most subjects, but inspectors found that in a few teachers do not routinely check that children have learned the curriculum over time. As a result, some pupils developed gaps in their knowledge and did not have a firm understanding of some key concepts.

They praised the school for encouraging the development of children’s communication and language from early years; and a love of reading is promoted at the school with older pupils enjoying a wide range of classic and modern literature.

Expectations for behaviour in the school were “high”, with classrooms “calm and purposeful”. Pupils understood that some of their peers need additional help to manage their behaviour, with staff supporting these pupils well so that lessons typically proceed without disruption.

Inspectors especially praised the school’s personal development offer, saying it was “exceptional” with a “carefully designed programme that leaves nothing to chance”.