New Silksworth Academy Infant

Overview

This ungraded inspection confirms the school remains ‘good’, with evidence suggesting it might achieve ‘outstanding’ if a graded inspection were conducted now. The report highlights a school where pupils feel a strong sense of belonging and are supported by ‘warm relationships’ with staff. Leaders maintain ‘high aspirations’ for all children, fostering an environment where pupils are ‘courageous, inspirational and resilient’.

Strengths

• The school has designed an ‘ambitious curriculum’ that carefully builds knowledge over time, ensuring pupils learn about their local area and the wider world.
• ‘Reading runs through everything’, with stories at the heart of daily experiences; staff are ‘effectively trained to teach phonics’, helping pupils read with confidence.
• Provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is a ‘considerable strength’, with inclusive practices ensuring they access the same curriculum as their peers.
• Pupils ‘behave extremely well’, sharing and cooperating without prompting, supported by embedded routines and a culture where ‘bullying is not a problem’.
• Early years provision is ‘exceptionally ambitious’, with the curriculum ‘expertly adapted’ to ensure every child makes rapid progress and develops confidence.

Areas to improve

• The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are ‘effective’.