West Leigh Infant School

Overview

West Leigh Infant School is described as a “welcoming school” where pupils embrace values of being safe, kind, and trying their best. The inspection found that leaders set clear expectations, resulting in good behaviour and a positive culture where pupils are “resilient about their learning” and take pride in their responsibilities.

Strengths

• Pupils learn a “broad and ambitious curriculum” with a focus on “learning without limits,” allowing them to make creative learning choices.
• Leaders prioritise early reading, ensuring consistent phonics teaching from Reception to Year 2, which helps pupils make “good progress.”
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are “well supported” through prompt identification and individualised help.
• Staff feel “well supported by leaders,” who focus on professional development and carefully consider workload.
• The school fosters strong community links, with pupils demonstrating an understanding of British values and respect for others.

Areas to improve

• In a minority of subjects, leaders must be more explicit about the specific knowledge pupils should learn to ensure “secure recall.”
• Leaders need to ensure pupils develop a deeper understanding of different cultures and religions, rather than just recalling surface-level facts.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” with staff receiving regular training and maintaining a “culture of vigilance” regarding pupil welfare.