Holt House Infant School

Overview

Holt House Infant School is described as a "welcoming and highly inclusive" institution where pupils feel safe and relationships are "extremely positive." The report highlights that the curriculum to promote pupils’ personal development is "exceptional," fostering values such as democracy and mutual respect. While the overall effectiveness is rated as Good, the school excels in personal development, which is rated as Outstanding.

Strengths

• Early reading is a strength, with teachers being "knowledgeable and consistent" in delivering phonics, helping pupils become "confident readers."
• The curriculum for personal development is "exceptional," with leaders promoting important values and ensuring extensive enrichment opportunities develop the "whole child."
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) access the same curriculum as their peers and "achieve in line with other pupils."
• Staff feel "valued and developed professionally," with teachers trusted to "take risks and innovate" without unnecessary workload.
• Safeguarding arrangements are "effective," with staff knowledgeable about protecting pupils from radicalisation and exploitation.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should further develop the Reception outdoor learning environment, as it is "not as well developed" as the pre-school area, limiting opportunities for staff to direct learning.
• Governors should ensure they "accurately evaluate the performance of the school," as they are currently "overly positive" and do not check sufficiently on the effectiveness of leaders’ actions.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with the designated safeguarding lead and deputies having "extensive and regular training" to help staff recognise concerns.