Picknalls First School

Overview

Picknalls First School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. Pupils are described as eager to learn in a friendly environment where they behave particularly well and feel safe. The school provides a strong foundation for learning, with parents highly recommending it to others.

Strengths

• Pupils learn an "ambitious curriculum" that interests and engages them, with a "thoughtful early years curriculum" helping children settle quickly and develop confidence.
• Staff show high expectations and care, providing effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) so they can "flourish and achieve".
• Relationships are "very positive", fostering an ethos of "respect and tolerance" and resulting in high levels of attendance.
• Pupils learn to read with "confidence and fluency" and receive extra support if they struggle, ensuring most keep up with others.
• The school enriches learning through diverse activities, including forest school, clubs, and opportunities for pupils to "lead and assume responsibility".

Areas to improve

• The school should improve assessment arrangements because checks on whether pupils are ready to move on are "not always frequent or rigorous enough".
• This means some pupils are asked to do new work before being fully ready, while others miss out on opportunities to "explore learning in greater depth".

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."