Exhall Cedars Infant School

Overview

Exhall Cedars Infant School is described as an inclusive and vibrant environment where pupils feel happy and safe, underpinned by values of kindness and respect. The inspection confirms that the school has improved significantly since its previous rating, now delivering a high-quality education with effective leadership and strong staff morale.

Strengths

• The curriculum is "well-considered and sequenced," with a clear structure that helps pupils learn effectively, particularly in mathematics and music.
• Phonics teaching is effective and consistent, ensuring most pupils leave as "fluent readers, ready for the challenges of junior school."
• Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is a strength, with staff skilled at identifying needs and making necessary adaptations.
• The "unique and extensive outdoor provision" is highly praised for enriching pupils’ social and physical development and fostering resilience.
• Governors offer "effective support and challenge," working closely with the local authority to drive improvement.

Areas to improve

• Staff should ensure they "demonstrate precision when speaking to, and writing with, pupils" to further develop language and vocabulary, as some opportunities are currently missed.
• The school must address persistent absence, as "a number of pupils are absent from school too often," missing valuable lessons.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."