Herne Bay Infant School

Overview

Herne Bay Infant School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at its previous inspection. Pupils are described as happy and safe, delighting in attending this "friendly and caring school" where they form positive relationships. The school prioritises both academic achievement and character development, ensuring pupils transition to their next stage with confidence.

Strengths

• The curriculum is well-matched to pupils’ needs, with staff delivering it consistently and managing workloads effectively.
• Early years children achieve well, engaging enthusiastically in meaningful activities that prepare them for future learning.
• Pupils gain strong reading, writing, and mathematical knowledge, with effective support provided for those falling behind or with special educational needs.
• Behaviour is excellent; pupils are respectful and increasingly able to self-manage, while attendance has improved significantly.
• The school offers extensive opportunities, including local visits and cultural workshops, helping pupils develop a broad understanding of modern Britain.

Areas to improve

• In some subjects beyond English and mathematics, teachers do not consistently ensure pupils produce work to rehearse key vocabulary, meaning some do not embed it effectively. The school should provide further opportunities for pupils to transcribe and embed new vocabulary so they can recall and apply it.

Safeguarding

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