Outstanding Ofsted rating awarded to Portway Infant School

Portway Infant School, in Ashfield Road, was visited by Ofsted inspectors on May 14 and 15 this year, receiving the top rating once again.

12 years on from its last inspection, this popular, oversubscribed school was "delighted" to receive its second ‘outstanding’ judgement.

One response to an Ofsted parent survey said: "Portway Infants is a phenomenal school."

READ MORE: School where 'pupils flourish' celebrating 'outstanding' Ofsted rating

Portway Infant School celebrates outstanding Ofsted rating

Inspectors agreed that "It accurately describes what it is like to be a pupil at this school.”

"The ethos of ‘happy children learn best’ permeates through school life.

"Pupils enjoy school and feel secure and safe.

"Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary.

"They are remarkably polite and kind to one another."

The report praises the school’s curriculum, stating: "The school’s curriculum is exceptionally well constructed.

"It is frequently reviewed to ensure teaching is well-matched to children’s starting points. The school has precisely identified the key knowledge, skills and vocabulary that they want pupils to learn."

Inspectors said: "There is high aspiration for children to develop into happy, engaged individuals who love learning.

"The school’s programme for personal development is extremely effective. Pupils build a firm understanding of the importance of tolerance and respect.

"School leaders are unwavering in their determination to provide the very best education to all pupils. Their ‘even better if’ approach ensures there is a constant drive to reflect on and enhance the school’s offer."

Headteacher Sara Allen is thrilled with the report, she told the Advertiser: "The report reflects our whole school community with everyone working together to give our children the education they deserve.

"I am immensely proud of our school, it has been a privilege to be the Headteacher of Portway Infant School for the last 15 years.

"I work alongside a team of dedicated, hard-working and incredibly talented colleagues who constantly go above and beyond for our children.

"Our parents also play a critical role in our success, their support is unwavering and we are very grateful to them.

"Portway is a very special place to work.”

Portway will be one of the last schools to receive a single word judgement from Ofsted. Over the last 10 years, only 28 per cent of previously Outstanding schools have retained their Outstanding rating.

Overall, the number of schools with an Outstanding grade is falling as those previously exempt are inspected for the first time in more than a decade.

Current Ofsted data shows the number of Outstanding Primary schools nationally has dropped to 12 per cent and this is expected to fall further as more exempt schools are inspected.