Churchdown Village Infant School

Overview

Churchdown Village Infant School is described as “warm and welcoming,” with staff maintaining “high expectations for behaviour.” Since joining a trust and undergoing leadership changes, the school has made “rapid improvements” and is now rated Good across all key judgement areas. Pupils are “polite and well-mannered,” demonstrating positive attitudes towards learning and a strong sense of community involvement.

Strengths

• The curriculum is “clear and coherent,” with particular success in English and mathematics where teachers provide “clear explanations” and effectively address misconceptions.
• Pupils develop into “mindful, respectful and tolerant” individuals, engaging in community activities and learning about different cultures and beliefs.
• Safeguarding arrangements are “effective,” and pupils feel “happy and safe,” knowing there are adults to talk to if they have worries.
• The early years provision is “well structured,” with children learning routines from the start and being “well prepared for Year 1.”
• Staff receive strong support for professional development, and parents are “positive about the school,” valuing the “kind and supportive staff.”

Areas to improve

• In some subjects, teaching does not use information about pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) well enough, meaning some do not develop knowledge as effectively as they could.
• Systems for checking what pupils know and remember are not fully embedded in some areas of the wider curriculum, leading to gaps in understanding and less secure subject knowledge for staff.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”