Bishopthorpe Infant School

Overview

Bishopthorpe Infant School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. The school is described as a “safe and welcoming environment” where pupils feel happy and secure, supported by kind and friendly relationships with staff. While children in Reception achieve well and reading is a high priority, there are inconsistencies in how well pupils are prepared for the junior school curriculum in some subjects.

Strengths

• Pupils benefit from a “safe and welcoming environment” with “kind and friendly” relationships, resulting in positive behaviour and confidence that adults will support them.
• Children in Reception “get off to a flying start” with phonics and early years learning, achieving well across all areas.
• Teaching in mathematics has improved through consistent approaches, helping pupils “recall what they have learned” and build on firm foundations.
• The school provides engaging enrichment opportunities, such as an outdoor wildlife area and visitor-led activities, which bring the curriculum to life.
• Staff are well supported by leaders, who have accurately identified priorities for improvement and ensure early identification of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Areas to improve

• In some foundation subjects, teaching does not sufficiently deepen knowledge, meaning pupils do not secure the essential information needed for their next steps in learning.
• The wider curriculum does not provide sufficient opportunities for pupils to develop a strong understanding of fundamental British values, including mutual respect for people of different faiths and cultures.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.