St James C.E. Aided Infant School and Nursery, in Leonard Street, Derby, has released details of an 'exceptional' OFSTED inspection report which praised its first-rate leadership and overall excellent value for money.

Located in an area described as 'of high social and economic disadvantage' and with a very high proportion of children attending who speak English as an additional language, the challenges facing teachers and pupils at the school are significant. Despite this, the report proved that good management and dedication of staff had resulted in 'very positive attitudes and impressively high levels of achievement' of pupils.

The report was the outcome of a July inspection and followed a two year period when Pauline Richardson was acting headteacher. She had been at the school for a total of 18 years and retired shortly after the inspection. She is delighted the results have been so positive.

"The staff at St James Infant School and Nursery are extremely dedicated and it is teamwork that produces results as good as this. I feel very heartened that the inspectors were so rigorous because it ensures the report has real credibility. I'm especially pleased that OFSTED acknowledged and celebrated the issues that we also felt were important," she said.

St James Infant School and Nursery place high emphasis on encouraging children to be independent and take responsibility for their actions and behaviour. They are encouraged to be part of a caring community within the school and as a result, Pauline believes the children are especially well motivated, interested and involved in school life, as well as having high standards of learning.

Director of Education at the Church of England Diocese of Derby, David Edwards said: "St James Infant School and Nursery is a heart-warming success story and testimony to the hard work of headteachers, staff, governors, parents and children over the years.

"It is the best OFSTED inspection I have seen in this Diocese, with very few issues raised for the school to improve on, so believe it really is an exceptional achievement. The OFSTED team themselves were very thorough but pleasant while in the school and said they had felt very welcome there. With Julie Carter as the new headteacher, I'm sure they will go from strength to strength."

Julie added: "St James is a lovely school and I feel very privileged to be taking on the responsibilities and standards set by Pauline. I have every intention of aiming for an OFSTED report of at least equal footing next time," she said.

Ends

Note to editors:
It is important you refer to the school as St James C.E. Aided Infant School and Nursery as there are not only several other St James schools, there is also a St James Junior school and there is potential for confusion.

For further information, contact

Ruth Green
Communications Officer
CofE Diocese of Derby
01332 388680
www.derby.anglican.org

or

Julie Carter
Head Teacher
St James CE Aided Infant School Nursery
01332 363091