Bidbury Infant School

Overview

Bidbury Infant School is described as a "happy place to be" where pupils demonstrate "resilience, respect, self-regulation and independence." The report highlights that staff have taken "decisive action to improve the curriculum," resulting in a clear ambition for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Consequently, pupils "achieve well" and benefit from high expectations and a culture of kindness.

Strengths

• Pupils enjoy learning, ask "thoughtful questions," and have "warm, mutually respectful relationships" with staff and peers.
• The curriculum is logically sequenced, with staff displaying "strong subject knowledge" to explain ideas effectively in core subjects like reading, mathematics, and physical education.
• Reading is a high priority; the phonics programme helps pupils become "fluent readers," and they "treasure story time."
• Attendance has improved significantly, particularly for disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND, through robust engagement with families.
• Personal development is fostered through activities that challenge stereotypes and develop empathy, with pupils taking on leadership roles such as "play leaders and librarians."

Areas to improve

• In some subjects with new curricula, assessment does not sufficiently support learning, leading to unaddressed gaps; staff should routinely check understanding to inform future teaching.
• Teaching strategies in some wider curriculum subjects are not adapted well enough for pupils with SEND, meaning they do not achieve as well as they could in these areas.

Safeguarding

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