Lionwood Infant and Nursery School

Overview

Pupils “thrive at this school,” where they are “valued and receive the support they need to be successful and happy.” The inspection highlights an “ambitious curriculum” that fosters curiosity and independence, resulting in pupils who “achieve well across the curriculum.” Leaders and staff provide expert support, ensuring children are “exceptionally well prepared for the next stage of their education.”

Strengths

• The curriculum is “highly effective,” particularly in the early years, where staff “expertly adapt activities to meet the diverse and changing needs of children.”
• Pupils demonstrate “calm and respectful” behaviour, guided by ‘golden reminders’ that help them “treat each other with respect.”
• Reading instruction is consistent and effective, with a “consistent approach to teaching the school’s chosen phonics scheme” ensuring pupils who fall behind receive timely support.
• The Specialist Hub of Inclusive Practice (SHIP) provides personalised support for pupils with SEND, allowing them to “access the curriculum and achieve success.”
• Staff receive tailored training and collaboration opportunities within the trust, enabling them to “teach the curriculum consistently well.”

Areas to improve

• In a few subjects, staff do not always check that pupils have a “secure understanding of important curriculum content” before introducing new learning, which can create gaps in knowledge.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”