SCHOOL OF THE WEEK: Milton Infant School, Newport

Sue Wilson, who has been at the helm for 14 years, said: “We are always looking for ways to improve, enhance, embed and effectively track the children’s learning.”

“The school involves itself in projects that revolve around new initiatives and ideas in order to stay at the forefront of the changes that are happening in education.”

Mrs Wilson is proud of the school’s achievements, having recently been ranked as one of the borough’s top schools as part of a new colour-coded rating system for Wales.

The emphasis on literacy and maths is evident. In Year 1 the reading and writing ranch is a hive of activity. Here the children can dress up as cowboys or Indians as part of a literacy initiative to encourage those who may be reluctant to read.

“Boys can be quite reluctant readers and writers so the ranch encourages them to dress up and join in,” explained said Mrs Wilson.

“One of our experienced Year 2 teachers takes a group of children who are more able in the area of writing and offers them opportunities to stretch their writing capabilities.”

The group benefit from specialised support in areas that they need in order to further their competence in writing. Mrs Wilson says much work has been done to reduce the differences in achievements between boys and girls.

“We try to ensure that key areas that provide reading and writing opportunities appeal to both genders. Some of the writing areas in the school at the moment include a jungle, a circus, a magic theme and a ranch.”

The school continually looks for ways in which technology can enhance children’s learning.

“We have built up a plethora of resources that have been embedded into teaching and learning practices over the years. Amongst the resources that we have are bee bots, talking books, whiteboards and buttons, microphones, story phones, digital cameras and iPads.”

“We recently bought in a film-making experience for Year 2 children where they used the iPads to create short animations. Reception have also been using the iPads in class this term to reinforce letter formation with those children who need further practice.”

The school also makes good use of its Twitter and Facebook pages to keep parents informed of the learning that is taking place in the school.

Among the newest equipment that is proving popular is an outdoor classroom, affectionately known as ‘The Cwtchy Hut’.

“It is a place where the children can create, get messy and explore nature,” explained said deputy head Sam Thomas.

“The hut enables them to get out of the classroom in all weather and encourages outdoor learning. It is used by all the school and nursery and is well-loved by the children.”

The grounds also feature miniature fruit trees in a specially-created orchard which the children pick themselves.

Back in the classroom and Year 2 is preparing to hold a medieval banquet. They have been involved in every stage of organising the event from the menu to the number of tables needed and working out the cost.

“They been using their numeracy skills to work out how much ingredients they need for a medieval stew, calculating the cost and number of places which is using maths in real life situations,” explained said Mrs Wilson.

“This project is about making them realise they are using their maths skills for something that is useful and that they need rather than putting it in a box. It’s hands-on fun and life-long experiences they will need.”

There is much excitement in the class as pupils don costumes ranging from jesters to servants, knights and a king and queen.

The same classroom features The Flaming Dragon armoury shop which sells supplies to fight dragons. The role play situation is a feature in every classroom and is always linked to maths and literacy.

The classrooms are decorated with eye-catching artwork that spills into the corridors and includes a giant painted palm tree and inspiring quotes.

Outside the classroom the school runs an eco-committee and a school council. There is much excitement and enthusiasm surrounding their green efforts as the school is currently working towards the Green Flag status’ platinum award – the highest honour in the scheme.

As well as holding an eco-themed assembly each week recent initiatives include recycling batteries from Christmas toys, litter picking and recycling Christmas cards.

“We are also working towards communication-friendly school status which is about the way you speak, questioning skills and how you converse and speak to children.

“We never sit on our laurels. We are always moving forward.

“Everyone who visits the school tells me they found it to be a happy one.

“After 14 years I still love my job and would not want it to be any other way.”

An Estyn inspection carried out in 2013 gave the school a glowing report and praised its performance and prospects for improvement as “excellent”.

“It’s not just about leadership. It is about a team of amazing and very dedicated highly-trained staff. They believe in the children and the ethos of the school is that every child matters.”

Mrs Wilson and her staff strive to instil a love of learning in children in the early stages.

“If we can instil a love of learning in children they will want to learn and love life.”