PUPILS at a Felixstowe school are flourishing because the staff care deeply about them, according to a new report.The praise for Fairfield Infants follows the visit to the school in High Road West of a team of Ofsted inspectors.

By Richard Cornwell

PUPILS at a Felixstowe school are flourishing because the staff care deeply about them, according to a new report.

The praise for Fairfield Infants follows the visit to the school in High Road West of a team of Ofsted inspectors.

In their report, the inspectors describe Fairfield as a good school with many significant strengths.

It is complimented on its high level of pupil attainment. Children are above the national average in speaking, listening, reading, writing, science art and design, RE, geography and history, and well above national standards in mathematics.

Provision for pupils with special educational needs was judged as excellent.

Across the school the inspectors found teaching good. All 56 lessons observed were satisfactory and 88 per cent graded as good, very good or excellent.

Spiritual, moral, social and cultural education was judged as being a strength of the school, and the pupils were praised for their enthusiasm and behaviour. The leadership and management of the school by governors, the headteacher, senior staff, and administrators was also praised.

"The school cares deeply for its pupils so that they flourish," said the report.

The inspectors commented on some unsatisfactory buildings, accommodation and facilities but this will add weight to discussions already underway between governors and the local education authority's over modifications to the premises.

Headteacher Doreen Bartlett said: "This report reflects the achievements of the whole school community whilst setting a clear agenda for future development. I am very proud to be associated with such a happy and successful school."