Denmead Infant School

Overview

Denmead Infant School continues to be a good school, where pupils feel happy, safe, and well looked after. Leaders have designed a well-sequenced curriculum that supports inclusive learning, though some pupils struggle to recall specific subject knowledge over time.

Strengths

• Pupils describe the school as a place where ‘every day is a learning adventure’, characterised by ‘warm and positive relationships’ and a culture where ‘everyone is kind’.
• The curriculum is ‘well-sequenced’, clearly mapping out knowledge and skills, with teachers supported by subject leaders to ensure high-quality delivery.
• Reading is taught effectively from Reception using a new phonics scheme, with books ‘appropriately matched to sounds’ to support progress.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are ‘fully included in learning’ and receive detailed tracking and support to access the full curriculum.
• Staff feel ‘well supported by leaders’, who have taken steps to reduce planning burdens and ensure staff have a voice in school decisions.

Areas to improve

• Pupils are not yet fully able to recall subject-specific knowledge, particularly when asked about individual subjects.
• Leaders should consider how best to ensure teaching builds pupils’ ‘substantive knowledge over time in all subjects’ so children can draw on information effectively.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff trained to identify risks, report concerns quickly, and maintain detailed records within a robust culture overseen by governors.