Walsh CofE Infant School

Overview

Walsh CofE Infant School is described as a "caring and ambitious school community" where pupils "thrive" and feel "safe, happy and confident." The report highlights a culture of high ambition for both academic achievement and personal development, supported by a well-structured curriculum and strong staff subject knowledge.

Strengths

• Pupils benefit from a "well-structured curriculum" that builds on prior learning, with staff using "practical resources" and checking understanding frequently.
• Early reading teaching has been reviewed and improved; phonics is now "taught consistently well," and pupils receive "strong support to catch up."
• Systems for identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) have been strengthened, enabling these pupils to succeed.
• Personal development is rich, with pupils learning to stay safe, build friendships, and develop respect for others through diverse community engagement.
• Staff interact with children with "skill and care," knowing when to step back to encourage independence.

Areas to improve

• The school’s processes to improve attendance are "not having the desired impact for some pupils who are absent too often," limiting their access to learning.
• Leaders must "refine its systems to improve attendance for all pupils" and maintain high expectations to address this issue.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."