St Mary's Church of England Infant School

Overview

St Mary’s Church of England Infant School continues to be a good school, providing an "inclusive and nurturing" environment where pupils feel happy and cared for. The report highlights an "ambitious and well-sequenced curriculum" that effectively prepares children for the next stage of their education, supported by staff with strong subject knowledge.

Strengths

• The curriculum is "meticulously crafted" with clear, progressive steps, ensuring pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive timely support to become increasingly independent.
• Staff promote a "love of reading" through daily sessions and effective phonics instruction, ensuring pupils who fall behind receive quick support to catch up.
• Pupils demonstrate "excellent attitudes," showing respect and care towards peers, which is reflected in high attendance rates and calm behaviour during breaktimes.
• The school places equal importance on wider personal development, helping pupils understand diversity, different religions, and "safe, healthy relationships."
• Parents appreciate regular communication and describe staff as "approachable," noting that children are "celebrated in such a loving way."

Areas to improve

• Staff should ensure they are confident in pedagogical practices to help pupils "embed important knowledge," as they do not always consistently check and address gaps in understanding.
• The school needs to address instances where new work is introduced too quickly, preventing some pupils from learning as well as they could.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.