Pear Tree Infant School

Overview

Pear Tree Infant School is rated ‘Good’ across all inspection categories, including overall effectiveness and early years provision. Leaders have established an ‘ambitious curriculum’ that provides pupils with a strong foundation in reading and mathematics, fostering high aspirations and a positive school culture. The report highlights a supportive environment where pupils feel happy, safe, and proud of their achievements.

Strengths

• Reading is ‘at the heart of school life’, with effective phonics teaching and engaging resources like the ‘Reading Den’ helping pupils develop fluency and confidence.
• Pupils ‘really enjoy mathematics’, benefiting from clear demonstrations, accessible resources, and the use of precise vocabulary such as ‘inverse’ to explain concepts.
• The curriculum is carefully planned in ‘small, logical steps’, ensuring knowledge is taught in order and adapted for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
• Pupils display excellent behaviour, being ‘polite and respectful’, and understand that bullying is not tolerated, contributing to a safe and inclusive atmosphere.
• Staff well-being is prioritised, with teachers valuing the ‘support and training’ they receive, particularly those in the early stages of their careers.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ‘systematically check that all curriculum plans are being implemented effectively’ in foundation subjects, as some pupils lack a secure understanding of key knowledge due to insufficient monitoring.
• Leaders need to review systems for securing high attendance, as the rate of absence remains ‘too high’, particularly for disadvantaged pupils, which hinders their progress.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are ‘effective’, with staff well-trained to spot risks, concerns promptly reported, and clear record-keeping ensuring pupils receive necessary support.