Staff and pupils at South Walney Infant and Nursery School are celebrating after securing a glowing Ofsted report.

The school continues to be judged good in all areas with inspectors praising how children thrive in this ‘welcoming school at the heart of this island community’.

In the latest report, which was published today inspectors said pupils flourish in the nurturing environment that the school provides.

“Children in the early years settle quickly into well-structured routines. This helps them to gain confidence and independence,” the report said.

They said pupils feel safe in the school, know that staff care about them and understand the importance of treating each other with kindness and respect.

“Pupils demonstrate positive behaviour and attitudes towards their learning. They work hard to meet the school’s high expectations of their academic success,” the report said.

Inspectors also highlighted the many clubs that pupils can join, including yoga, singing and craft club and the focus on protecting the environment, which helps to foster a strong sense of pride in their community.

Headteacher Becs Ensoll said she was delighted at the findings of the report and paid tribute to the hard work of all the staff and children.

“This report reflects our school’s ambitious curriculum and the emphasis we place on supporting our children to develop a lifelong love of reading. The dedication of the whole team shines through.”

Chair of Governors Julie Pearson said: “It is particularly pleasing that the inspection has recognised the children’s sense of pride in their community. I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the whole school team.”

South Walney Infant and Nursery School, which runs from nursery to Year 2, has applied to join South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust in the next academic year.

Professor Andrew Wren, chief executive of SCMAT, said: “Everyone at the Trust sends their congratulations to Becs and her team on a very successful Ofsted report.

“We are delighted that South Walney Nursery and Infant School is applying to join our Trust as there will be many benefits including formalising the already strong relationship with South Walney Junior School to provide a seamless education for each and every pupil.”

Chetwynde Kindergarten will open its doors to welcome parents and future pupils next month.

It is holding an Open Afternoon on Friday 3rd May from 2pm to 4pm so visitors can meet the staff and experience the facilities.

The kindy, nestled in woodland surroundings, is based on the main Chetwynde School site on Rating Lane and takes children from age three upwards providing a seamless education right through to age 16 in the senior school.

Visitors will be able to play in the classroom while their parents take a look around and speak to staff.

Teacher Laura Roberts said the rich learning environment encourages children to explore and be curious about the world around them.

“Our children enjoy learning in our beautiful indoor and outdoor learning environments, flowing freely between them throughout the day,” she said.

“We love to have visitors and we invite everyone to come and see what we do. It is better to see us in action to really get a feel for how special Chetwynde’s Kindergarten is.”

The Kindergarten has provision for 15 and 30 hours free childcare allowance and full wrap-around care with breakfast and after school clubs.

A Chetwynde School maths whizz has secured a place at a prestigious summer school for his outstanding achievements.

Nathan Lee Cheong will attend the UK Maths Trust’s 63rd National Mathematics Summer School in Leeds – the first pupil to do so in the school’s history.

The invitation comes after his excellent performance in the Intermediate Mathematical Challenge and his subsequent merit in the Trust’s latest Olympiad, which covers university-level maths skills.

Nathan, who is Head Boy at the school which is part of South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust, said he was looking forward to the five-day event in August where he will spend time with other maths enthusiasts and develop his thinking.

“It will be good to do before I start my A Levels because they will be focusing on more obscure maths challenges that I might not have come across before and is a great opportunity to learn more.”

This month Nathan has been awarded a merit in the UK Maths Trust Olympiad, which is usually for second year sixth formers. He is among the brightest 25 per cent of students nationally who are currently at sixth form, despite still being in Year 11.

He had to answer six questions in two hours showing not only the answer but a full written method, a step up from the intermediate paper.

“It was very difficult. Usually I don’t get nervous but I’d seen a past papers and I’d not been able to answer any of the questions so to get to a stage where I got a merit, I’m really pleased.”

Nathan, who is taking 10 GCSEs including Further Maths, said he had been supported by his teachers who had given him the confidence to successfully complete the Olympiad.

Congratulating Nathan on his success, Head of Mathematics Stefan Olphert said he had never seen a student performing at such a high level in 18 years of teaching.

“I have to say he is remarkable and has impressed me throughout his academic career and the staff here are all very proud of what he has achieved, he’s a shining star.”