Thurnham Church of England Infant School

Overview

The report describes a "nurturing school" where pupils are "joyful and safe" and feel "highly valued." Leaders and staff demonstrate an "aspirational vision" and provide "impressive" pastoral care, ensuring children make a "strong start" in early years. While the school is judged 'Good' across all categories, the inspection highlights specific inconsistencies in curriculum delivery and behaviour that require attention.

Strengths

• Reading is "prioritised" with staff demonstrating "expertise" in phonics; "no pupil is left behind" due to excellent catch-up sessions.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are "thriving," supported by skilful identification of needs and positive engagement with parents.
• Subjects such as mathematics, history, and religious education offer "memorable learning opportunities" where pupils "remember what they have learned."
• Pastoral care is "impressive," with staff showing "great care" for pupils’ physical, emotional, and mental health.
• Early years provision is strong, with children developing "strong motor skills" and enjoying opportunities to be creative.

Areas to improve

• In some foundation subjects like art and design, "learning activities and key knowledge are not strongly linked," meaning pupils do not always retain what they learn.
• Some pupils do not show "high regard for their environment" or enough respect for property and school routines.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff having "full faith in leaders to follow up any concerns" and maintaining diligent records.