Tenterden Infant School

Overview

Tenterden Infant School continues to be a good school where pupils "delight in attending" and form positive friendships. The report highlights an ambitious curriculum and strong support for pupils with special educational needs, though it notes that curriculum progression in some subjects requires refinement to ensure pupils retain knowledge effectively.

Strengths

• Pupils are "polite and courteous" and "relish playtime," creating a happy and safe environment where adults "care deeply" for their wellbeing.
• Teachers are "knowledgeable about what they teach" and use "highly effective questioning" to check understanding and adapt learning.
• Pupils "achieve well in reading and mathematics," with staff providing exceptional support for those with SEND or who have fallen behind.
• The school offers a "range of wider opportunities," including meaningful educational visits and clubs that help pupils develop their interests.
• Attendance for disadvantaged pupils is improving, as the school works closely with families to address causes of absence.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must refine the "clarity of the progression of skills and knowledge" in subjects beyond reading and mathematics, such as art and design technology.
• The curriculum needs to be more clearly defined so that pupils "systematically build on what they have learned" and can retain knowledge in all subjects.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."