Prettygate Infant School

Overview

The report describes a "warm and welcoming school" where the values of "ambition, kindness and respect" are central to daily life. Pupils behave well, are kind to one another, and are well prepared for their transition to junior school. Leaders have made "significant improvements to the quality of education" since the previous inspection, establishing an "ambitious curriculum" that helps pupils build detailed knowledge.

Strengths

• Pupils are "kind to one another," resulting in rare bullying, and they "trust adults to always be there for them."
• The curriculum is well-designed, ensuring pupils "develop detailed knowledge and deep understanding" in many subjects.
• Reading is a high priority; the phonics programme ensures consistency, allowing staff to "quickly identify pupils who are not keeping up."
• The needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are "well met," with careful adaptations to access the same ambitious curriculum.
• Early years provision is positive, with adults skilled at helping children "learn and use new words" in conversations.

Areas to improve

• In a small number of subjects, activities do not "precisely match what they want pupils to learn," requiring further teacher training to implement the curriculum consistently.
• Some governors previously lacked a clear understanding of their roles, meaning the governing body was not fully equipped to hold leaders to account; further training is needed.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," with a "culture of vigilance" and thorough checks on adults working in the school.