Surrey school's Ofsted praises 'heart-warming and caring' environment

​The school community at Merstham Primary sees everyone valued and respected while relationships are both heart-warming and caring, according to a recent Ofsted report.
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Teachers are ambitious for the children who ‘love coming to Merstham Primary School’ and take part in an ambitious curriculum at the school, a member of the multi-academy trust GLF Schools which is also singled out for praise.

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​“The trust has courageously steered the school through an unprecedented period. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the school suffered catastrophic flooding. Trust leaders wasted no time in dealing with this. They prioritised pupils’ education through strategic thinking,” says the report.

The school was awarded a status of Good across the board by the Ofsted team after an inspection at the start of the new school year in September.

“We want our children to be confident lifelong learners and have high academic expectations within a nurturing environment,” said Headteacher Gavin Oulton.

“The report reflects the hard work and commitment by the whole school family which sees everyone valued and respected while equipping the children with the knowledge and skills to choose a healthy, active lifestyle,” said Mr Oulton.

“Bullying is unheard of. Leaders act swiftly if any concerns were to come about,” the report says.
Behaviour is consistently praised throughout the report and the high standards expected of them begins in the nursery.

“From the very start, children receive the right support to settle in calmly. They follow the school’s rules and play happily. Across year groups, pupils are warm-hearted,” the inspectors said.

The report continues to praise the high expectations the school has for its children: "Leaders expect high standards for how pupils behave and interact with each other. This starts when children enter Nursery. Pupils are curious and eager to explore their learning in the well-resourced new early years outdoor environment and library".

“Pupils work hard and know not to disturb others. Teachers consistently reinforce the school’s core values. Pupils advocate tolerance and acceptance. They know not to judge somebody based on their race, faith or family background,” says the report.
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“Teachers rigorously hold leaders to account. They expect leaders to provide a high-quality education to pupils. School governors undertake their delegated responsibilities conscientiously,” it adds.