Ashfield Infant & Nursery School

Overview

This ungraded inspection confirms the school remains outstanding, though evidence suggests a graded inspection might yield a lower judgement. Pupils are described as happy and well-mannered, living out values of "respect, friendship, care and kindness." However, uneven curriculum planning in some subjects and persistent absenteeism have created gaps in pupils’ knowledge.

Strengths

• Pupils are "happy at this welcoming and friendly school" and demonstrate high standards of behaviour.
• The phonics programme is implemented effectively, with many pupils becoming "confident and fluent readers" by Year 2.
• Staff check learning well, identifying and addressing misconceptions "swiftly."
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) access the same broad curriculum and receive appropriate support.
• The school offers a "wealth of clubs" and opportunities for pupils to develop talents and express themselves.

Areas to improve

• The school must identify specific knowledge to be taught in all subject curriculums to prevent "gaps in pupils’ knowledge."
• Systems for identifying barriers to attendance need review to reduce "persistent absenteeism."
• The governing body must build its expertise to effectively "hold the school to account."

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."