QUITE simply, fun and excitement seem to be the key elements to success at Alvaston Infant School.

According to inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted), the school's 307 pupils are "learning something new every minute of the day".

Head teacher Jean Walden, who is described as "inspirational" with "expertise, compassion and tenacity" believes in bringing children's learning to life.

She said: "We are connecting into the children's values, making learning exciting and in turn it is exciting for us to deliver the education.

"Children have wonderful imaginations and we try to bring their learning experience to life."

As a result, every time there is a new topic in the school, a multi-sensory area is set up for the children.

For example, a rain forest project will see the multi-sensory room come alive with an array of sights, sounds and smells.

Mrs Walden said: "We use evocative music and the sound of animals and birds to stimulate their imagination.

"This makes it easier for them to write things. It also stimulates them to look out for related items at home and outside of school."

The multi-sensory room also became a space station this year.

"We work particularly hard to make sure our topic work has appeal for boys as well as girls," said Ms Walden.

"So we brought our topic on medieval castles to life with a banquet and talked about knights and jousting."

Ofsted inspectors were impressed with the "can do" culture at the school, which inspires all pupils to succeed and realise their full potential.

Even though some pupils enter the school from low starting points, they leave the school at age seven with above-average levels in reading, writing and maths.

Ms Walden said: "We also further our pupils' experiences by inviting visitors into the school to give talks and demonstrate things as well as taking them on trips out."

Parents appreciate the work of the school. The views of 69 parents who completed inspection questionnaires were "overwhelmingly positive".

Carolyn Trueman, whose daughters, Lily and Maisie, attend the school, said: "Our children go to school and nursery every morning enthusiastically.

"The high levels of education that they receive is given in a safe and fun learning environment."

Alicia Thompson, mother of pupil Abigail, said: "The school is the very best any parent could ever wish for their child's education.

"The teachers are extremely talented and make the children's learning experience both educational and great fun – the children cannot wait to get to their classrooms in the mornings."

Catherine Hughes, mother of Annabelle and Genevieve, said: "It is a wonderful place where children achieve the most important fundamental skills to such a high standard.

"It's just a shame that they have to leave at age seven.

"It is a warm and welcoming school. The classrooms seem alive with learning opportunities and the children's work."

Richard Wynn, chairman of the school's governing body, said the report was a testimony to the hard work of staff.

He said: "The community should be proud of the consistent high standards achieved in educating local children throughout their early school years."