Larkfields Infant School

Overview

Larkfields Infant School continues to be a good school, where pupils feel they belong to a ‘one big family’ and are happy. Leaders maintain high expectations for achievement, and staff are supported with manageable workloads and well-being. The curriculum is well-planned, ensuring all pupils, including those with special educational needs, access the same knowledge as their peers.

Strengths

• Pupils demonstrate positive behaviour, are polite, and understand the school values of ‘being safe, being a team player, being an active learner and showing respect’.
• Teachers use regular checks of prior learning to plan lessons effectively, helping pupils recall key concepts, such as in geography.
• Leaders identify and support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) well, adapting teaching so they can access the same knowledge as peers.
• Reading is taught effectively from Reception, with teachers having the expertise to deliver the phonics programme and provide support for those falling behind.
• Staff feel supported by leaders who are ‘mindful of their well-being’, and there is a strong culture of collaborative working within the trust.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should ensure all teachers know how best to teach writing effectively, providing pupils with opportunities and support to write at length and with fluency.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a strong culture where staff receive regular training, know how to spot risks, and act quickly to help pupils and families access support.