Holtsmere End Infant and Nursery School

Overview

Holtsmere End Infant and Nursery School is fulfilling the "expected standard" of education and care, with safeguarding standards met. The report highlights a positive school culture where pupils feel safe, valued, and ready for the next stage of their education, though attendance remains below national averages.

Strengths

• Pupils develop "secure early reading skills" and become "confident and fluent readers" through a structured phonics approach.
• Staff build "positive relationships" with pupils, fostering a sense of belonging where "everyone is welcome."
• Leaders provide effective support for pupils with special educational needs, using "visual prompts" and specialist advice to ensure full participation.
• Pupils behave well, showing "kindness and respect," with bullying being rare and incidents addressed quickly.
• The curriculum is carefully mapped to build on prior learning, helping pupils make links between subjects and use subject-specific vocabulary.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should embed their attendance strategy to sustain recent gains and raise attendance for disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND to align with national figures.
• Leaders should refine their work to secure "greater consistency in the delivery of mathematics and writing" across all classes.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns actively managed.