Whybridge Infant School

Overview

Whybridge Infant School continues to be a good school, where pupils enjoy their education and behave well within a calm environment. The curriculum is described as "ambitious" and "broad and engaging," with a strong emphasis on early reading and supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. However, the report notes that in some instances, teaching activities do not align precisely with curriculum objectives, which can hinder knowledge retention.

Strengths

• Pupils are "highly engaged in their learning" and take pride in their achievements, such as earning stickers for demonstrating resilience.
• Early reading is a "real priority," with children learning phonics from Reception and receiving targeted support for any gaps in knowledge.
• The curriculum is "well sequenced" and enriched by educational visits, such as trips to RAF Hornchurch and Rainham Marshes.
• Pupils with SEND benefit from "high-quality, extra help" and follow the same curriculum as their peers with effective adaptations.
• Staff feel "well supported" by leaders who consider well-being and workload when making decisions.

Areas to improve

• The school must ensure that the "purpose and sequence of planned activities are carefully considered" so that teaching consistently prioritises core curriculum knowledge.
• Leaders need to address instances where teaching does not match curriculum objectives, which can lead to misconceptions or difficulties in acquiring new knowledge.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.