Ad Astra Infant School

Overview

Ad Astra Infant School provides a high-quality education where leaders are "relentless" in ensuring all pupils, particularly those with special educational needs or disabilities, thrive. The school fosters a "calm and purposeful" environment underpinned by strong relationships, resulting in pupils who are "keen to learn" and feel a real sense of belonging.

Strengths

• Inclusion is a standout feature, with "bespoke" curricula and expert pastoral support enabling vulnerable pupils to achieve well.
• Phonics teaching is exceptional, with Year 1 screening outcomes "significantly above the national average," helping pupils become fluent readers.
• Attendance is above the national average due to rigorous analysis and supportive, trusting relationships with families.
• Staff are "unanimously positive" about the school, valuing the supportive culture and professional development opportunities.
• Pupils demonstrate high levels of personal development, understanding key British values and developing a "well-developed moral compass."

Areas to improve

• Leaders should develop staff expertise to "incisively check pupils’ learning" to identify gaps and build knowledge sequentially.
• Leaders should further develop pupils’ "secure and detailed knowledge" across the wider curriculum to help them connect new learning with previous content.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture" where concerns are actively identified and managed to ensure pupils feel safe.