Steve Brine has warmly welcomed news that Ofsted say Oliver's Battery primary school is "moving from strength to strength".
After rapidly improving, through sheer hard work, the staff and the children have been instrumental in gaining a 'Good' Ofsted rating overall and 'Outstanding' for their Early Years Foundation Stage.
The Ofsted report states: "Early year's provision is outstanding. Children in Reception Year are enthused by the rich and varied curriculum that has been developed around their interests. Children have a love for learning and develop high levels of independence. The stimulating environment contributes greatly to this. Excellent use is made of both indoor and outdoor areas, which are both stimulating and well resourced."
The report also talks of the other years within the school: "the quality of teaching leads to good rates of progress in reading, writing and mathematics, with some groups of children making accelerated progress. The excellent links with Kings' School result in a smooth transition for pupils in Year 6."
In Oliver's Battery Primary School, the children are the school, and the report recognised this, saying: "Pupils' well-being is paramount. They feel safe, well cared for and respected". Ofsted had a great deal to say about the children and their behaviour and attitudes to learning including: "Pupils are well mannered and courteous. Pupils are polite, friendly and respectful. They are proud of their school and their achievements and look smart showing care in their appearance. They are eager to take on responsibilities and they show a high degree of confidence."
The new library, funded with generous assistance from Friends of Oliver's Battery School, was recognised as an asset to the school. The report says "Pupils read well and enjoy reading both in and out of school. They make good use of the new, well-stocked school library which contains a wide range of quality texts."
Nicki Duffield, Chair of Governors said: "I'd like to thank the dedicated teaching and support team led by our amazing head teacher Fey Wood; they have worked so hard to ensure the school is the best it can be by putting the children first."
Fey Wood joined the school in January 2015 and has been relentless in her bid to ensure the school offers all children in the school the best education possible.
The Ofsted report shows that the leadership of the school is unwavering: "The inspirational and committed headteacher has led the school ably" with the support of "Governors [who] are positive and committed".
Fey Wood, Health Teacher said: "I am immensely proud of all the hard work that has gone into achieving this judgement. The children are at the heart of our school and this is clearly reflected in the report.
"To achieve outstanding for our Early Years is testament to the enriched curriculum and variety of opportunity including outdoor environment that we have here at Oliver's Battery.
"It has been a pleasure to lead the school towards this judgement and I am looking forward to leading us 'from strength to strength'."
Winchester MP Steve Brine said: "I am absolutely thrilled for Fey Wood and all her team including the children and parents. I know how much this means to this school which never stopped believing they could do better and now it's turned around. I'm so proud of them for this achievement."
In the report Ofsted inspectors described the school as "moving from strength to strength"; the school will continue to improve and ensure that the children always get best possible educational experience.
Pictured; Steve chats to children at Oliver's Battery Primary School in the Autumn
More information ...
