Castle Hill Infant School

Overview

Castle Hill Infant School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. The report describes a welcoming environment where pupils demonstrate positive relationships and enjoy learning through imaginative, engaging activities. Most pupils achieve well and display the school’s core values, though attendance remains a concern for a minority.

Strengths

• The curriculum is described as "broad, ambitious and inclusive," with a consistent approach that helps pupils build strong foundations for future learning.
• Reading is a clear priority; children learn phonics through "fun, interactive and engaging lessons" and many leave the school reading "confidently and fluently."
• Provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is a strength, with expert identification of needs and effective support enabling them to succeed alongside peers.
• Staff report being "very well supported" regarding workload and well-being, underpinned by the trust’s strategy for mental health.
• Pupils benefit from imaginative opportunities to widen their learning, including extra-curricular clubs and creative visits.

Areas to improve

• Some pupils do not routinely receive tasks that "deepen their understanding or build successfully on their prior learning," hindering the development of complex ideas.
• A few pupils, including some disadvantaged pupils, do not attend school regularly enough, causing them to miss essential learning and personal development opportunities.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.