PUPILS understand the “importance of caring for each other” at a large Leigh infant school praised by Ofsted inspectors. 

Chalkwell Hall Infant School, in London Road, Leigh, has earned a good rating from Ofsted – the second highest possible rating – after an inspection on March 8 and 9. 

Inspectors found that pupils are “happy and safe” at the school and that bullying is rare. 

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The report, published yesterday, said: Pupils know and understand their ‘REACH’ values: ‘respect, enjoy, achieve, care, healthy’. They show these values in everything they do.

“Bullying is very rare. If it does happen, staff are quick to deal with it.

“Pupils behave well in their lessons. They also behave well during playtimes.

“Pupils are clear about the importance of caring for each other. As one pupil said, ‘If someone is on their own on the playground, we ask them to play with us’.”

At the time of the inspection there were 328 pupils at the school, all aged between four and seven.

Ofsted also praised the school for their “ambitious curriculum”.

“Leaders have designed an ambitious curriculum.

“They have placed the important knowledge that pupils will learn into a logical order, identifying carefully where the curriculum begins in early years.

“Subject leaders work collaboratively to provide teachers with clear guidance to teach the curriculum and support teachers with their subject knowledge.

“Typically, teachers follow the approaches that leaders want with consistency.”

Chalkwell Hall Infant School was also previously rated “good” at an inspection in 2017.

Inspectors found the arrangements for safeguarding to be “effective”.

The report stated: “Leaders complete all the required checks on new adults in the school.

“Leaders provide training that gives staff the knowledge they need to identify the signs that a pupil may be at risk of harm.

“Staff report concerns quickly and consistently. Leaders ensure that they follow up on all concerns raised in a timely manner.

“Leaders seek help from other professionals when pupils need it.

“The curriculum teaches pupils how to keep safe in the community and when online.”

Sarah Clements, headteacher at Chalkwell Hall Infant School, said: "Chalkwell is a wonderful school and it was great that Ofsted recognised that.

"I am very proud to lead such a talented, committed and caring staff team who work hard to ensure all the children at Chalkwell receive an excellent start to school."