Shere CofE Aided Infant School

Overview

This is a welcoming school situated at the heart of the local community, where pupils “blossom in the nurturing environment.” Staff embed values of “friendship and kindness” throughout school life, fostering positive relationships between older and younger pupils. The curriculum is described as “well constructed and engaging,” enabling pupils to achieve well in most subjects and develop strong personal attributes.

Strengths

• The curriculum is broken down into manageable ‘units’, helping teachers build on prior knowledge and enabling pupils to successfully learn content in subjects such as history and art.
• Early years provision is effective, with well-trained adults using storytelling, songs, and objects to promote communication and language development from the start of Nursery.
• Pupils demonstrate positive conduct, greeting visitors warmly and showing respect, while aspiring to earn awards for kindness and good learning.
• Purposeful outdoor experiences, such as forest education and trips to places like Windsor Castle, deepen understanding of science and geography while teaching teamwork and safety.
• Staff provide effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring they can learn successfully alongside their peers.

Areas to improve

• Some pupils, including those with SEND, do not master accurate letter formation, grammar, and punctuation, which restricts their ability to produce high-quality writing.
• The attendance of a few pupils is too low, causing them to miss essential learning and negatively impacting their education.

Safeguarding

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