An infant school where children ‘thrive and flourish’ has said it is ‘absolutely delighted’ after being given its second Outstanding rating by Ofsted.

Hazel Wood Infant School, on Hazel Farm Road in Totton, was given the top grade after an inspection on December 5 and 6.

It is the second time the school has been given the highest rating since June 2011.

The report highlights that the school’s values of “independence, creativity, resilience, and teamwork" thread through the curriculum themes.

“These form the basis for consistently high expectations for pupils’ learning and behaviour”.

It adds that inspectors found the pupils are “highly motivated” in their lessons and “achieve extremely well”.

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'Disadvantaged pupils achieve very well'

The report says the school designed a curriculum which “enables all pupils to be successful”.

It said: “This means that disadvantaged pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, are extremely well supported and, as a result, achieve very well.”

Staff were also praised as “highly skilled” who “embrace all training opportunities made available to them”.

Adding: “Consequently, they are clear about how the curriculum, in every subject, builds from early years to Year 2.

“Subject leaders are experts and share this expertise through a strong culture of support and coaching.”

“Teaching ensures that pupils successfully accumulate and apply their learning across the curriculum. This is particularly evident in the teaching of mathematics.

“Pupils become extremely confident and skilled mathematicians because they have strong recall of their prior learning and then apply it in mathematical investigations and problem-solving.”

'An achievement to be extremely proud of'

Mark Alderson, chair of governors at the school, said: “This really is an achievement to be extremely proud of.

“It is a testament to all of the hard work and dedication by the teaching staff and everyone involved.

"It serves to reinforce what we already knew, that Hazel Wood Infants School is an amazing place for our children to start their journey in education.

"On behalf of the Board of Governors, I would like to congratulate, and thank, Jane, Hannah and all of the staff for their commitment and drive to get this result.

“Having seen it first hand, I know just how much effort and how many long hours went into it.”