Horsted Infant School

Overview

Horsted Infant School is described as a "happy school" where "pupils thrive and are truly joyful." The inspection found that pupils demonstrate "consistently exemplary" behaviour and make strong progress in reading, supported by a "broad and ambitious curriculum." However, the report notes that early years provision requires improvement, as Reception activities do not yet fully prepare children for the next stage of their education.

Strengths

• Pupils exhibit "consistently exemplary" behaviour, living out the school’s ‘STAR’ values of being "striving, thoughtful, ambitious, resilient, and supportive."
• The school places a "strong emphasis on reading," with Reception children getting off to a "strong start" through systematic and enjoyable phonics lessons.
• Personal development is promoted "extremely well," with pupils understanding online safety, recognising emotions, and learning about British values and different faiths.
• Governors are "diligent in ensuring that their statutory duties are met" and contribute to a "positive and open culture."

Areas to improve

• Assessment is not used effectively across all subjects, meaning some pupils, particularly those needing to catch up, "do not attain as well as they could."
• In the Reception Year, planned activities do not always help children learn the intended Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, leaving them "not prepared well enough for key stage 1."

Safeguarding

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