Petersfield Infant School

Overview

Pupils at Petersfield Infant School are described as “confident, friendly and enthusiastic,” thriving in an environment where staff build “warm, positive relationships.” The report highlights a “coherently designed curriculum” and strong subject knowledge among teachers, which supports high achievement, particularly in reading and mathematics. Leaders and governors are praised for their determination to provide a “broad, rich and high-quality education” and for ensuring the school continues to improve following its previous inspection.

Strengths

• Pupils quickly become “confident, avid readers” due to consistent, high-quality phonics teaching and early intervention for those with gaps.
• Teachers possess “strong” subject knowledge and present information “clearly and concisely,” aiding pupils who speak English as an additional language and those with special educational needs.
• The curriculum is carefully structured so pupils build knowledge “logically and sequentially” across almost all subjects from the early years.
• Pupils develop strong personal, social, and emotional skills, with routines and expectations “well understood,” leading to calm behaviour and independence.
• Parents and carers are “unanimously positive” about the school’s work, noting how their children are thriving thanks to the care and support provided.

Areas to improve

• The school must raise expectations for pupils’ writing in subjects other than English, ensuring staff insist on the same level of accuracy in handwriting, punctuation, and spelling across the curriculum.
• The school should provide more opportunities for pupils to take on “meaningful responsibilities” and act as “responsible, active citizens” within the school community.

Safeguarding

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