A vibrant local school has won praise from Ofsted inspectors who described it as “at the heart of its community”.

The report on Kinsale Infant School in Hellesdon said it was “a very happy, friendly and safe place in which to learn”, and found the school had retained its ‘Good’ rating.

“Pupils enjoy attending school and there is a strong sense of belonging,” wrote the inspectors. “Pupils are nurtured exceptionally well in all aspects of their development by staff who understand their needs. 

“Parents and carers are overwhelmingly happy with the schooling their children receive.”

The “kind and considerate” children at the school were also singled out in the report, which stated: “Pupils are taught to respect and help one another and are given strategies to manage their own emotions. Staff have high expectations of pupils’ behaviour, and pupils rise to these.

“Behaviour throughout the school is exemplary. This is because the school’s expectations for pupils’ conduct are very clear and consistently applied.

“Pupils are kind and considerate to each other. They are proud when they are recognised for their positive behaviour, inside and outside the classroom.”

The curriculum at Kinsale, which is part of the Wensum Trust, received honourable mention too, with the inspectors saying: “The school provides a rich, exciting curriculum that encourages curiosity and creativity.

“Teachers show strong subject knowledge and typically create suitable learning activities.”

“The school has created a highly inclusive and nurturing environment where every pupil is welcome,” they continued. “There are robust systems to identify pupils’ needs promptly and accurately.”

The importance of personal development at Kinsale was another highlight.

“Our vibrant school is a very happy, friendly, and safe place”

“Pupil’s personal development sits at the heart of this school,” added the inspectors. “The school has crafted a curriculum and enrichment offer that gives pupils pride in where they live and opportunities to contribute to their community.

“Pupils learn about different countries, cultures and beliefs. They accept their differences and treat each other with the utmost respect.”

Headteacher Stacey Coleman was delighted with the report.

“We are absolutely thrilled with this Ofsted report, which truly captures the essence of Kinsale Infant School. It highlights what we know to be true: that our vibrant school is a very happy, friendly, and safe place where every child feels a strong sense of belonging.

“This report highlights our rich, exciting curriculum nurtures curiosity and creativity, and we are incredibly proud of the highly inclusive and nurturing environment we’ve built, where personal development is at the heart of everything we do. This report is a wonderful testament to our dedicated staff, amazing pupils, and supportive community.”