St Michael and All Angels CofE Infant School

Overview

Pupils are described as “proud and happy” to attend this school, where attitudes embody values of “love, compassion and respect”. The report highlights an “ambitious curriculum” with reading at its centre, supported by skilled staff and a “vibrant range of wider opportunities” that foster responsible citizenship.

Strengths

• Pupils demonstrate “wonderful empathy” and “celebrate differences”, showing high standards of behaviour and cooperation.
• The curriculum is “carefully identified and organised in a logical sequence”, with teachers providing adapted support for pupils with special educational needs (SEND).
• A “high-quality approach to teaching phonics” ensures pupils become “confident readers” quickly.
• Leaders provide a “rich programme of opportunities”, including community events and unique experiences like handling “creepy creatures”, which build confidence and maturity.
• Staff feel “well supported by leaders” regarding well-being and workload, while governors effectively challenge and support the school.

Areas to improve

• The school must ensure teachers use assessment strategies effectively to check understanding, as staff are sometimes “unsure... what pupils already know and understand”, leading to missed misunderstandings.

Safeguarding

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