An "ambitious and inclusive" infant and nursery school in St Albans has received high praise in its latest Ofsted report.
Bernards Heath Infant and Nursery School, located on Sandridge Road, met the expected Ofsted standard across the board, with two areas deemed to be strong.
During an inspection in April, inspectors found that school leaders have set "high and ambitious expectations for all pupils".
This standard ensures that disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) "achieve well and thrive".
Ofsted began: "Leaders ensure that staff consistently and accurately identify pupils with additional needs.
"They act early and take steps to reduce gaps or other challenges."
The report highlighted the school's "highly effective, strategic leadership" of pupils' personal development and wellbeing too.
"This thoughtful and connected approach ensures that pupils grow into confident and resilient individuals," inspectors explained.
The school was commended for its promotion of British values, with pupils experiencing democracy through their election and participation as part of the school council.
Inspectors continued: "The curriculum allows pupils to learn the importance of staying safe online and how to do so.
"Pupils speak with confidence about online risks and explain how to respond sensibly."
Pupils were found to develop the knowledge they should in reading, writing, and mathematics over time, and are prepared well for their next educational steps.
"Across the school, pupils speak with confidence and use a wide vocabulary," Ofsted added.
The school's behaviour curriculum was described as "effective," helping pupils become "independent, responsible, and respectful".
As a whole, its curriculum was named "broad" and "interesting", including the knowledge and skills pupils need to be prepared for their next steps.
Inspectors said: "Leaders ensure that the teaching of reading, writing, and mathematics is effective. Reading is taught particularly well."
Bernards Heath's early years provision was also praised, with Ofsted stating that children are happy and settled, and benefit from the warm greetings they receive from staff.
"The early years curriculum is well thought through, Ofsted said. "It builds children’s knowledge from Nursery to Reception and prepares them well for entry into Year 1."
The report concluded that leaders and governors guide the school with purpose, and parents express positive views about the school and show trust in its leadership.
To improve, Ofsted said: "Leaders should embed highly effective teaching practice to ensure the writing curriculum is taught consistently well across all year groups.
"Leaders should also ensure that staff use assessment information to check pupils’ understanding precisely and target support consistently well."
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