Arden Forest Infant School

Overview

Arden Forest Infant School is described as a “welcoming and friendly place” where pupils feel safe and are supported by kind staff. The report notes that the school is realising its vision of ‘Little Learners, Big Achievers’ as pupils recover from pandemic disruptions, with a strong focus on developing learning behaviours and emotional well-being.

Strengths

• Staff show “kindness and care,” ensuring pupils know there is “someone to talk to if they are worried.”
• The curriculum is engaging, with trips to museums enriching subjects like history, where pupils demonstrate strong knowledge.
• Leaders prioritise reading through a structured phonics programme and an agreed list of 50 books, helping pupils improve decoding skills.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are “well supported” using practical materials and additional adult assistance.
• Staff feel “valued members of a team” and appreciate the care leaders show for their well-being.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure pupils who struggle to blend sounds receive appropriate phonics support to read “confidently or fluently.”
• Subject leaders need time and support to develop curricula in areas like art and design, so pupils’ knowledge is “equally strong” across all subjects.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with robust systems for reporting concerns and staff trained to recognise signs of risk.