Ofsted shows how poorer schools excel

Twenty outstanding primary schools - Excelling against the odds showcases 20 primary schools in deprived areas that have been rated 'Outstanding' at least twice. Almost half of the children attending the schools have significant language delay and special educational needs, and many receive free school meals.

The report shows how the schools make themselves accessible to parents by providing informal "citizens' advice", counselling and conciliation.

One example is Cotmanhay Infant and Nursery School in Derbyshire, which involves parents through shared family liaison workers, home visits, workshops on positive parenting and a parents' noticeboard in every classroom.

Other cases highlight back-to- basics discipline. At Ash Green in Calderdale, a male nursery teacher has brought in rules such as, 'put your hand up, do not call out', 'listen to your teacher', 'treat each other nicely' and 'keep your hands, feet and everything else to yourself.'

Schools are also praised for the ways they help children express themselves. World's End Infant and Nursery School in Birmingham offers children a choice of activities to do through digital photos on digital pens. These visual clues are particularly helpful to children who have English as an additional language or those with visual impairments.