WITLEY Infant School has retained its ‘good’ rating and been praised by Ofsted for its ambitious vision and happy environment.

Inspectors visited just before Christmas and praised new headteacher Kate Turner for making changes that are already helping many children exceed expectations.

Pupils were found to be “confident and curious learners” who “work hard, and have positive attitudes to their learning”. Ofsted said Mrs Turner had swiftly gained the trust and respect of the whole school community, since her appointment in September.

Inspectors welcomed the school’s “clear and ambitious” vision and its “happy and proactive environment.”

The school has just started work to create a Wild Garden for a forest school programme, set to launch this summer.

The new outdoor facility will be purpose-built and structured to encourage children to build confidence, improve self-belief, expand their learning capacity and boost their communication and problem-solving skills.

Mrs Turner said: “I was really delighted by what Ofsted had to say. I’m proud to be leading a team of dedicated, professional staff who put children at the heart of everything they do.

“Parents, governors, All Saints Church and the wider community all contribute to the life of the school, ensuring our pupils get off to a wonderful start on their educational journey. We continue to have very high expectations for all our children.”