Derby St Chad's CofE Nursery and Infant School

Overview

Derby St Chad’s CofE Nursery and Infant School is described as a “happy school” where pupils feel safe and are “supported to be confident.” The report highlights an “ambitious curriculum” and strong personal development, noting that leaders ensure pupils are well-prepared for the next stage of their education.

Strengths

• Pupils demonstrate the school’s values of “love, friendship, compassion and respect” and maintain “very positive” relationships with adults.
• Leaders have made reading a priority, with staff trained in systematic phonics and books matched to pupils’ learning.
• The early years provision offers a “well-sequenced and ambitious curriculum” with a sharp focus on communication and language.
• Personal development is a core strength, with pupils learning about “fundamental British values” and developing cultural understanding.
• Staff receive regular safeguarding training and have the expertise to identify and report concerns effectively.

Areas to improve

• In some foundation subjects, planned curriculums are “not as well implemented,” meaning teaching does not focus sharply on key knowledge.
• Too many pupils are absent too often, causing them to miss “important aspects of their learning.”

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” with leaders prioritising pupil safety and maintaining thorough records.