The Hermitage Infant School

Overview

The Hermitage Infant School is described as having a “strong inclusive ethos” where pupils are “happy at school” and behave well. Leaders are “highly ambitious” for all pupils, resulting in a “warm and happy atmosphere” and strong personal development. The early years provision is judged as “Outstanding,” providing an “exceptional start” to children’s education.

Strengths

• Pupils are “polite, well mannered and respectful,” demonstrating high levels of “tolerance and empathy.”
• The curriculum is “well sequenced” in nearly all subjects, ensuring pupils learn the “most important knowledge.”
• Staff prioritise communication skills, with Reception pupils receiving effective phonics support and enjoying reading.
• Leaders provide a “well-structured programme of training” and consider “staff workload and well-being diligently.”
• Pupils benefit from varied experiences, including visits to museums and places of worship, which deepen their understanding of the world.

Areas to improve

• In a small number of subjects, the school has not identified the “most important knowledge” or its sequence, leaving staff unclear on what to teach.
• Assessment in some subjects does not support learning sufficiently, as staff do not always check understanding carefully enough, leading to unaddressed gaps.

Safeguarding

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