Thornborough Infant School

Overview

Pupils thrive in this “happy, inclusive school” where they benefit from a “warm and caring environment” and are known well by staff. The inspection highlights an “ambitious” curriculum that provides a “rich and stimulating education,” supported by staff with “good subject knowledge.” Leaders demonstrate a “strong vision” for the school to be at the heart of its community, with governors who are “deeply committed” and parents who are “overwhelmingly positive.”

Strengths

• Pupils demonstrate “exceptionally well” behaviour, being “always kind and respectful” with “no disruption to learning.”
• The school prioritises reading through a “rigorous phonics programme,” ensuring pupils “learn to read quickly” and enjoy stories.
• Personal development is strong, with pupils learning to keep themselves “physically and mentally healthy exceptionally well.”
• Staff workload is managed effectively, with leaders showing an “approachable manner and care for staff.”
• There is a “rich and varied programme” for personal development, including trips, visitors, and opportunities to develop talents in music, art, and cooking.

Areas to improve

• Occasionally, activity choices “do not match the needs of pupils fully effectively,” meaning some pupils “do not always achieve as well as they could.”
• The school should continue to develop pedagogical approaches to ensure “consistently strong teaching of the curriculum.”

Safeguarding

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