Danesholme Infant Academy

Overview

Danesholme Infant Academy is described as an “improving school” where “meeting individual pupils’ needs is at the heart of leaders’ actions.” The report states that “pupils thrive” in a safe environment characterised by “kindness, respect and achievement.” While most aspects of the school are rated Good, the early years provision requires improvement.

Strengths

• Leaders have “overhauled systems and routines” and “raised expectations for all,” resulting in positive outcomes in most areas.
• Staff provide “well-tailored support” for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring they can “access the whole curriculum.”
• The school maintains “very positive” relationships with families, which has been “crucial in improving pupils’ attendance.”
• Pupils learn about different communities and role models, contributing to the school’s ‘Careers Mark’ status and high aspirations.
• Staff workload has been reduced, and staff are “appreciative of leaders’ actions” to enhance well-being.

Areas to improve

• Some subject leaders are new and lack the expertise to make accurate checks; they must receive support to “provide strong leadership in all aspects of school development.”
• Independent activities in the early years do not always support communication and language development; leaders must ensure these activities help children “know more of the school's curriculum.”

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective” and that leaders have created a “strong culture for safeguarding” where staff can spot signs of risk.