Raunds Park Infant School

Overview

Raunds Park Infant School continues to be a good school, described by pupils as a place where ‘there is always someone to be your friend’. Parents view it as a ‘warm and friendly community’ where children are enthusiastic about learning and settle quickly. The school fosters strong values, with pupils understanding the importance of kindness and honesty.

Strengths

• Pupils are well-supported in reading, with a new phonics curriculum ensuring books ‘match their knowledge of phonics with precision’.
• Mathematics teaching is ‘well-sequenced’, helping pupils build knowledge through practical activities like arranging cubes and practising number bonds.
• Physical education is thoroughly enjoyed, with staff ensuring all pupils, including those with special educational needs, can join in and deepen their skills.
• Staff receive strong support from the trust, with their well-being fostered and workloads considered during recent leadership changes.
• Pupils reflect meaningfully on experiences, such as linking visits to the church with learning about sharing at harvest time.

Areas to improve

• The new early reading curriculum requires rigorous implementation to ensure pupils with gaps in knowledge receive necessary help to catch up.
• In some subjects, the curriculum is still being refined, and the school must ensure this work is making a tangible difference to pupils.
• The sequence of learning is not always clear in all areas, meaning staff should identify ‘important building blocks of knowledge’ to help children know more and remember more.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.