A primary school headteacher is “delighted” after the early years centre at his school received a glowing Ofsted report.

St John Vianney Primary School’s early years centre received a “strong standard” in achievement, behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines, curriculum and teaching, inclusion and leadership and governance.

The centre, which is located at the King Oswy Drive school and serves 84 children, was also given “expected standard” in children’s welfare and wellbeing.

The report praises the centre’s curriculum, recognising how “extremely well-thought-out” and “carefully structured” it is.

John Hardey, headteacher at St John Vianney Primary School.

placeholder image — John Hardey, headteacher at St John Vianney Primary School.

Inspectors said: “It reflects a level of professional knowledge and intention that ensures all areas of learning are planned with precision and ambition.

"Staff's consistent understanding of how children learn, combined with their teaching skills, creates consistently rich opportunities for every child to build their knowledge and skills securely.”

According to inspectors, children at this centre “make excellent achievements” and show rapid progress, “particularly those who face barriers to learning”.

The report states: “They receive finely tuned support that accelerates their progress and prepares them extremely well for the next steps in their learning.

Fiona Hutchinson, eary years lead at St John Vianney Primary School.

"Staff identify children at risk of falling behind, or at risk of not being school ready, very quickly.

"They support these children with precise teaching and experiences that help them develop the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.”

St John Vianney Primary School headteacher, John Hardy, said: “We are delighted with our early years report.

"We're particularly pleased that the report reflects that children are prepared exceptionally well to make progress throughout our early years and into school.

"The report states, ‘early communication, attention and independent play skills prepare them exceptionally well for progressing through the full curriculum.’

“It's nice to see that the government are putting money into schools by providing 30 funded hours for working parents, but the government also needs to address that this is putting pressure on early years settings to find spaces for children.”

Leaders were given one area to improve on following the latest inspection.

The report states: “Leaders should support staff to provide an environment for the youngest children that promotes their secure sense of emotional wellbeing even more consistently.”