Shottermill Infant School

Overview

Shottermill Infant School is judged ‘Good’ across all inspection categories, marking a change from its previous ‘Outstanding’ rating under an older framework. The report describes a school where pupils are happy, well-behaved, and keen to learn, supported by staff who foster “tender relationships” and a strong sense of community. Leaders have established an ambitious curriculum and prioritised reading, though some aspects of early years planning and governance require refinement to maintain high standards.

Strengths

• Pupils display excellent behaviour, kindness, and independence, with bullying being rare as children are taught to be respectful and confident.
• Reading is highly prioritised from Reception, with a “well-sequenced phonics programme” and targeted support helping to address pandemic-related delays.
• Staff demonstrate good subject knowledge, using clear explanations and effective questioning to check pupil understanding and reinforce key vocabulary.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are fully included, with leaders quickly identifying needs and providing tailored resources for success.
• The school fosters strong personal development, teaching children about safety, healthy choices, and respect for different family structures.

Areas to improve

• In some early years areas, leaders have not precisely identified the essential knowledge before planning activities, leading to less precise curriculum thinking.
• Governors do not always conduct rigorous enough checks to assure themselves that pupils have successfully learned the ambitious curriculum.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders ensuring staff are alert to risks, receive ongoing training, and maintain excellent communication to protect children.