Kilburn Infant and Nursery School

Overview

Kilburn Infant and Nursery School is described as a place where "relationships are positive" and pupils are "well cared for." The inspection found that the school’s curriculum is "well planned and sequenced," with staff demonstrating high expectations and a strong commitment to pupil welfare. Overall, the school provides a "happy" and secure environment where children enjoy learning and feel safe.

Strengths

• Pupils display "positive" behaviour, are "attentive in lessons," and "play cooperatively," actively looking out for one another.
• The early years provision is "exciting and vibrant," with an "ambitious" curriculum that is "well planned and sequenced."
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are "well catered for," with "robust procedures" ensuring they receive necessary support.
• Senior leaders maintain a "robust programme of quality assurance" and the governing body is "well organised" with clearly defined roles.
• The personal, social and health education curriculum prepares pupils well for life, including an "age-appropriate understanding of equality."

Areas to improve

• Reception pupils are not taught phonics "from the very beginning," delaying their ability to read; leaders must ensure immediate instruction.
• In some subjects, the curriculum fails to clarify the "underpinning knowledge" required to master skills, which needs addressing across all areas.
• Leaders must prioritise "working in partnership with parents" to address concerns regarding communication and provision for pupils with SEND.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective," with detailed policies that are "consistently understood and applied by staff."