St Denys Church of England Infant School, Ibstock

Overview

Pupils “flourish in this happy and welcoming school” where staff know each child well and foster confidence. The curriculum is described as “engaging” and “ambitious,” with a strong focus on reading and local history, preparing pupils effectively for their next stage.

Strengths

• Reading is prioritised from the start, with staff who are “experts in teaching phonics” ensuring pupils “quickly become fluent readers.”
• The curriculum is “well sequenced” and reflects pupils’ locality, enhanced by trips and visitors that deepen knowledge.
• Pupils develop positive attitudes, showing they are “receptive to suggestions from their peers” and work collaboratively.
• Personal development is carefully considered, with pupils learning strategies to “manage their emotions” and understanding fundamental British values.
• Governance has improved, with leaders who are “considerate of staff well-being” and keep workload manageable.

Areas to improve

• Learning activities sometimes do not match curriculum intentions precisely, and checks on pupil understanding are insufficient, meaning “misconceptions... are sometimes not identified.”
• Support for some pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is not always effective because activities are “not adapted sufficiently” for them to work independently.

Safeguarding

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