Larklands Infant School

Overview

Larklands Infant School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. The school is described as a place where staff and pupils are proud to work and learn, with a strong commitment to giving every pupil the best start in life. Leaders and governors are deeply committed to making a positive difference, fostering a supportive environment that staff describe as a ‘close-knit family’.

Strengths

• Early reading has improved significantly following a change in approach, with Year 1 phonics results above the national average.
• The early years foundation stage is a significant strength, featuring a rich curriculum focused on rapidly developing communication and language skills.
• Pupils’ behaviour is exceptional, guided by the rule of ‘kind hands, kind feet and kind lips’, and they enjoy a wide range of extra-curricular activities.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are very well supported through specialist staff training and adapted curriculum resources.
• Families share overwhelmingly positive views, noting that ‘The teachers go above and beyond for each and every child.’

Areas to improve

• Staff sometimes introduce large amounts of knowledge in a single lesson without breaking it down sufficiently, making it difficult for pupils to focus and connect new learning to prior knowledge.
• Attendance rates are below national levels, with some pupils persistently absent; the school must ensure attendance remains a high priority and provide further support to families.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.