Thames Ditton Infant School

Overview

Thames Ditton Infant School is described as a “vibrant, welcoming and ambitious place” where pupils feel “happy and safe” within a “caring culture.” Leaders set “high expectations” for learning and behaviour, resulting in pupils who are “bright, lively and eager to please” and who “respect their teachers.” The report highlights an “ambitious curriculum” and effective teaching of reading, supported by a “new phonics programme” and “high-quality training for all staff.”

Strengths

• Pupils demonstrate “positive attitudes to their learning,” are “resilient to setbacks,” and take “pride in their achievements.”
• The teaching of reading is “effective,” with teachers following the phonics programme “meticulously” to ensure pupils build “knowledge and fluency.”
• Leaders are “ambitious for all pupils,” particularly those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, whose additional needs are “swiftly identified” with “appropriate and effective support.”
• Governors are “knowledgeable and skilled,” working effectively to “rigorously check” strategic plans and offering “useful support” to leaders.
• Staff appreciate that leaders are “considerate of their workload and well-being,” contributing to a positive staff culture.

Areas to improve

• Assessment in some foundation subjects, such as music and computing, is “not yet consistently in place,” meaning teaching is “not always informed by what pupils demonstrate they know securely.”

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with “rigorous” systems for checking staff understanding and robust employment checks ensuring pupils are kept safe.