Islington's St Andrew's primary school has reason to celebrate after being described as 'outstanding' in four out of five categories in their latest Ofsted inspection report. This is the highest rating that an inspection can give to a school. <br><br>The report noted how much improvement the school has made since the last inspection four years ago. Despite the fact that St Andrew's has a higher than average number of pupils who don't have English as their first language, pupil achievement is excellent. This was felt to be largely the result of 'the consistently good and sometimes outstanding, teaching…and the outstanding care, guidance and support that pupils receive for their individual needs.'<br><br>The inspectors commented on the happy atmosphere at the school, saying 'pupils' enjoyment is clearly evident in the enthusiastic way they talk about their school.' This in turn has led to children at St Andrew's having a strong sense of right and wrong, being polite and friendly and showing 'consistently good' behaviour. <br><br>Much of the praise heaped on St Andrew's was linked to the 'inspirational headteacher' Michelle Thomas and her team of staff who are 'consistent in their dedication to pupils'. Michelle said: "This is the result of having a vision that places high expectations of all our children at the heart of what we do. My staff are extremely talented and hardworking and as team we are able to achieve the incredible success we have here at St Andrew's. I'm very proud of my staff, children and the whole St Andrew's community; they are a joy to lead."<br><br>The school provides a very rounded education. Whilst lessons are creatively planned to engage pupils, extra-curricular activities are also treated with importance by staff and children. The Breakfast Club is well attended and 'provides an excellent start to the day.' Children also have access to music lessons and 'thoroughly enjoy their physical exercise and know what constitutes a healthy diet.' The school was awarded 'Healthy School' status in 2006.<br><br>Cllr Ursula Woolley, Islington Council's Executive Member for Children and Young People said: "This is a great result for St Andrew's and thoroughly deserved. All the staff have the highest expectations of every child and treat each one as an individual. Some would say this kind of approach and this kind of achievement is not possible with such a diverse group of children but in Islington we know different and are very proud of it."<br><br>The 'oustanding' rating St Andrew's was awarded for Overall Effectiveness of the School is largely based on the 'excellent relationships between pupils and adults'. This successful partnership creates an environment where pupils have access to 'an outstanding education' and where 'children play and learn happily alongside each other in a safe and secure environment.'<br> <br><br>
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009