Squirrel Hayes First School

Overview

Squirrel Hayes First School continues to be a good school, characterised by a purposeful ethos where ‘everyone and every child matters’. Pupils feel safe, happy, and valued, benefiting from strong relationships with staff who are committed to their well-being and learning. The school provides a broad curriculum that supports high-quality progress, particularly in early reading and mathematics.

Strengths

• Pupils make good progress in a ‘broad and carefully planned curriculum’, with a strong focus on early reading ensuring most leave key stage 1 reading ‘fluently and accurately’.
• Staff provide ‘high-quality support’ for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), enabling them to access the same learning as their peers.
• Positive attitudes to learning are evident, with pupils demonstrating resilience, good behaviour, and respect for one another’s differences.
• Leaders create a calm environment where staff feel supported, and assessment is used ‘purposefully’ to inform teaching.
• The school offers enriching experiences through links with local businesses and community opportunities, inspiring pupils’ interests.

Areas to improve

• The school must improve attendance for a small number of pupils who are ‘missing school too often’, as this hinders their progress and prevents them from benefiting fully from their education.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.