In Woodthorpe, parents have praised a school rated outstanding by Ofsted. They are full of pride for the school their children attend and said that they would recommend it to others.
Woodthorpe Infant School on Arno Vale Road is among schools in Nottinghamshire most recently awarded an 'outstanding' rating by the education watchdog Ofsted. Being classified as outstanding by Ofsted inspectors is the highest an educational institution can achieve.
To parents, it is no surprise that Woodthorpe Infant School is outstanding. The infant school teaches children from the ages of 4 to 7 years old before they then go onto junior school. And parents singled out the 'wonderful' headteacher Karl Hopkinson.
Read more: Ofsted's 10 most recent 'outstanding' schools in Nottinghamshire
Many children end up going to Arno Vale Junior school which is separate to the infant school but shares a playing field. Arno Vale Junior school's last full inspection was in 2013, the junior school was rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted.
In the latest Ofsted report for Woodthorpe Infant School, one of the only points of constructive criticism in the report stated that teachers should develop pupils' work by stating how they can improve further when marking. There were many positives, however, including that the teaching was outstanding and that children in the Early Years Foundation Stage get off to a great start due to staff having expert knowledge. Pupils said they felt safe at school.
Steve John, a 42-year-old analyst from Mapperley, spoke only of good things about Woodthorpe Infant School where his child attends. He said: “There’s a great atmosphere, the teachers promote diversity, friendship and companionship.”
Woodthorpe Infant School was Mr John's first choice of school for his child. A school in Mapperley Plains however, was considered before the place was secured.
Mr John, who agrees that the school is outstanding, went on and said: “There’s a lot of activity options at the school, there’s field trips, sports clubs and the teacher focuses on the children’s wellbeing.”
Similarly, 45-year-old Matt Wilson, who is a regeneration manager, also praised the school. He has a child who goes to Woodthorpe Infant school. He said: “The headteacher is wonderful, he listens to parents and is proactive.
“All the kids seem to enjoy school and there are plenty of opportunities and well-being days. There’s just been a school trip to Derbyshire. Over Covid, parents felt supported here. My youngest is leaving this year but I would defiantly recommend this school."
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