Howden Church of England Infant School

Overview

Howden Church of England Infant School is fulfilling the "expected standard" of education across all inspection categories. The report describes a school where pupils "achieve well" and are "generally ready for the next stage of education," supported by a "well thought-through" curriculum and strong leadership.

Strengths

• Pupils "generally achieve well," with outcomes "broadly in line with those of pupils nationally" and gaps in knowledge closing through targeted practice.
• Attendance "exceeds national averages," driven by leaders who "analyse attendance information closely" and build relationships with families.
• The curriculum is "well thought-through," with reading prioritised and phonics taught "consistently" to ensure early readers develop independence.
• Inclusion is effective, with "thoughtful adaptations" such as sensory spaces and visual tools enabling pupils with special educational needs to access learning alongside peers.
• Pupils "enjoy coming to school," feeling safe and building "warm relationships with the adults in school."

Areas to improve

• Leaders should ensure teachers routinely use highly effective choices about teaching so that pupils are "consistently well focused."
• Leaders should ensure all staff "consistently maintain and reinforce high expectations of pupils' conduct around school," as some staff occasionally fail to do so.

Safeguarding

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