Harnham Infants' School

Overview

Harnham Infants’ School has “taken effective action to maintain the standards” from its previous inspection. The school provides a “warm and nurturing environment” where pupils are “very well cared for” and enjoy their learning. Leaders and staff work closely to ensure every child thrives academically and personally.

Strengths

• The school “thoughtfully meets the needs of every pupil,” including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils.
• Pupils are “well supported to become fluent readers, writers and mathematicians” through a “well-thought-out-curriculum” and skilful teaching.
• There is a “highly effective approach to identifying and supporting pupils who need extra help,” ensuring all learners access the curriculum.
• Parents “cannot speak highly enough of the school,” valuing the care staff provide and the “vibrant activities” that engage children.
• Staff well-being is prioritised, and governors are described as “ambitious for all pupils.”

Areas to improve

• In some subjects, the school has not fully defined the “learning ‘pathway’” or the order in which key knowledge is taught. This can make it difficult for staff to focus on the most important information, resulting in some pupils not progressing as well as they could.

Safeguarding

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