Biddick Hall Infants' School

Overview

Biddick Hall Infants’ School continues to be a good school, underpinned by the ‘Biddick way’ which promotes respect and safety. Leaders have planned an ambitious curriculum with a strong focus on reading and mathematics, creating a positive culture where pupils feel happy and supported. However, inconsistencies in lesson planning mean that some activities do not align with intended learning objectives, hindering progress in certain subjects.

Strengths

• Pupils feel ‘happy and safe’ and demonstrate high levels of respect, with bullying not being a problem.
• Leaders prioritise reading, delivering an effective phonics programme and investing in quality texts to support enjoyment and cultural knowledge.
• Mathematics is taught consistently, with pupils having regular opportunities to develop quick recall of number facts and solve problems.
• Provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is a strength, supported by the ‘Rainbow Room’ and quick identification of needs.
• Leaders plan rich experiences, such as local trips, to enhance curriculum learning and encourage pupils to ‘dream big’ about future careers.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should ensure teachers are ‘sharply focused’ on lesson objectives, as some tasks in mathematics, history, and geography do not match the subject or learning goal, preventing pupils from acquiring precise knowledge.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders knowing pupils well, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring all staff and governors understand their responsibilities through recent training.