Wootton Bassett Infants' School

Overview

Pupils describe the school as “kind and friendly” with a “calm and orderly atmosphere” where everyone feels welcome. Leaders have driven significant improvements since the previous inspection, resulting in high expectations for behaviour and a strong sense of team spirit among staff. The school provides a broad curriculum with memorable experiences, ensuring pupils feel safe and valued.

Strengths

• Pupils demonstrate “positive attitudes” and are “keen to learn,” enjoying a wide range of subjects and leadership opportunities such as the school council.
• Leaders have strengthened mathematics teaching, helping pupils “progress well through the curriculum” and retain knowledge, with a strong focus on accurate vocabulary.
• Reading is prioritised from Reception, with an “effective phonics programme” supporting early learners and staff promoting a love of reading through high-quality texts.
• Personal development is supported through initiatives like the ‘eco-committee’ and visits from local experts, helping pupils understand their role as “responsible citizens.”
• Staff feel “well supported” and “valued,” contributing to a positive working environment and effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must identify essential knowledge in some wider curriculum subjects to prevent gaps in pupils’ understanding over time.
• Leaders need to ensure that books provided to pupils who struggle to read “precisely match the sounds they know” to build fluency and confidence.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving extensive training to identify risks and report concerns promptly.