The Alderton Infant School and Nursery

Overview

The report describes a school where pupils “enjoy coming to school” and “love to learn,” supported by an “ambitious, broad and well-sequenced curriculum.” Leaders and staff are praised for their effective management, with parents and staff expressing positive views about how the school is led.

Strengths

• The curriculum is “ambitious, broad and well-sequenced,” helping pupils understand “interconnected content” across subjects.
• Pupils behave maturely, follow routines well, and understand the school’s golden rule to “be kind and friendly.”
• Staff effectively check pupil knowledge, recapping important learning and addressing gaps to ensure pupils “achieve well over time.”
• Reading is prioritised, with pupils talking “with enthusiasm” about books, supported by a new phonics programme taught by expert staff.
• Personal development is carefully constructed, teaching pupils to “recognise and manage their emotions” and value difference.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must incorporate “precise and measurable targets” into support plans for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to maximise progress.
• Leaders need to ensure pupils access reading books containing words that “match their current ability” to develop reading fluency, as some books do not closely match phonics knowledge.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” with staff receiving regular training and appropriate checks in place for adults working in the school.