A Bushey primary school has said it is “very proud” after being rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.
Bushey Heath Primary School has kept the highest grade after it was inspected on January 30 and 31, according to a report published on March 7.
The school, which teaches 242 pupils aged three to 11, was rated ‘outstanding’ in all categories, including quality of education, behaviour, early years provision, and leadership and management.
Inspectors said pupils “love” attending and develop a “passion for learning and a thirst for knowledge” from early on.
They behave “exceptionally well” and conduct themselves with “maturity and kindness”.
Inspectors said that “laughter and happiness fill the playground” as students look after each other and play together across age groups.
Headteacher Penny Barefoot said they were “thrilled” to have achieved the rating, adding: “This accomplishment is a testament to the creativity and dedication of our entire school community – staff, children, parents, carers, and governors.
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“This outstanding rating is deserved. At our school, children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
“An exciting curriculum supported by some exceptional facilities – such as our music studio and digital hub – ensures that every child receives the highest quality education they deserve. We are all very proud of our school.”
Bushey Heath was previously rated ‘outstanding’ in 2009 which exempted it from inspection until November 2020.
The latest report said it sets a “highly ambitious” curriculum and identified ways to deepen students’ learning, such as a recent review of design and technology teaching.
Staff were considered to be “highly knowledgeable” and teach the curriculum “incredibly well”.
Ofsted said staff appreciated the “thoughtful and considerate” training, and that they “love” working there.
In the early school years, pupils are exposed to high-quality language which helps them to develop their own language skills and prepares them well for the later years.
“A love of reading” was also present in the early years, as students are rewarded with a gold coin for demonstrating the school values, which can be exchanged for a new book from the vending machine.
The safeguarding arrangements were judged by inspectors to be effective.
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