A primary school has been praised for being "extremely caring" following a visit from Ofsted inspectors.

The education regulator found that Swaythling Primary School on Mayfield Road has maintained high standards since being rated as "Good" in its last full inspection in 2016.

Inspectors believe that the school provides a happy, safe, and secure environment for its pupils, reflecting the high levels of care shown by staff.

One parent specifically noted that "staff are always extremely caring" as Ofsted's report, which was published March 4, came to the same conclusion.

In Reception, inspectors say that children benefit from excellent routines that help them settle quickly and develop positive attitudes towards learning.

The report notes that pupils work hard to meet the high expectations set by their teachers.

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Pupils also appreciate the support offered when they struggle with lessons, particularly valuing outdoor learning opportunities, according to Ofsted.

Parents describe this outdoor learning as "amazing" and inspectors saw that pupils generally behave well and understand the different forms bullying can take.

Although bullying is rare, the report notes that staff respond swiftly if it occurs, and pupils trust that there is always someone to listen to their concerns.

Inspectors note that the school is developing a robust curriculum to meet the needs of its pupils and that English and mathematics programmes are well established.

However, the report acknowledges that some areas of the wider curriculum need more focus to ensure pupils make better progress.

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Reading is prioritised as the "gateway" to all learning, with a structured phonics programme that helps children start reading early.

There are 207 pupils on the school roll, and the Swaything primary became part of the Aspire Community Trust in September 2017.

One pupil expressed, "In this school, all are welcome, all are different."

The school was praised for giving children prompt support if they fall behind, resulting in above-average performance in Year 1 phonics checks.

Particular praise was also given to the strong teaching of numbers in Reception, which builds confidence early on that pays off in later years. 

Inspectors also noted that safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.