REPORTER Grace Walton was met with smiles when she visited a small city school for this week’s In the Classroom feature. She visited the pupils and teachers from Cranham Primary, which opened in 1968.

The atmosphere around the building, in Tetbury Drive, was positive and it’s clear the school is inclusive and offers a tight knit community.

During my visit, I was taken on a guided tour by the headteacher, Nicholas Cale, who also introduced me to the reception pupils.

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Mr Cale said: “Cranham Primary School’s motto is ‘Stand tall, fly high’. This is embedded throughout the school and in everything we do. Every child is encouraged to do the very best that they can and to have high aspirations.

“We support our more vulnerable pupils in Learning and Nurture Bases and our more able, confident pupils are challenged to reach their full potential.

“Cranham’s happy family is about educating the whole child; ensuring that pupils leave happy, confident, resilient and able to face the many challenges that life may throw at them.”

James Brett, reception teacher, added: “Active play is a really important part of learning for us here, so the children have been busy exploring our digging pit, mud kitchen and our new outdoor ‘quad’ area.

“Developing independence is a key part of our learning, so the children are able to access their own equipment, whether it is construction, bikes, scooters, bats or balls.”

The number of pupils at the school reaching national expectations in reading, writing and mathematics was 12 per cent higher than the national average.

The school has three Learning Support Bases which ensures that pupils who need additional support make good progress and are happy, confident learners. These bases also ensure that pupils who are academically more gifted reach their true potential.

Every child has access to Speech and Language expertise. They are screened when they arrive in reception and if support is needed, they are assessed by an NHS Speech Therapist who provides a weekly support package.

A full-time Nurture Team are always available at the school to address a whole range of social and emotional needs.

Sue Turner, nurture lead and family liaison, said: “We believe in building strong relationships with our families and community. The Nurture Family Liaison Service is about providing support to our children and families as soon as a need arises.”