Angel Road Infant School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are warmly welcomed when they arrive at school each day. They enjoy attending and feel very safe. Staff prioritise getting to know pupils as individuals.

Pupils benefit from this care and compassion. They trust adults to help them with their learning or when they have a worry or concern. Pupils feel included and no one is left out.

Pupils are enthusiastic learners and are keen to talk about what they know. They find lessons interesting. They ask relevant questions and enjoy classroom discussions.

From the start of Nursery, children begin to develop their vocabulary and their understanding of how language works. This supports them when they learn to rea...d.

Pupils' attitudes to learning, and their behaviour around the school, are generally positive.

Behaviour during playtime is calm and pupils interact well with each other. They enjoy playing games and taking part in group activities.

Outside the classroom, pupils take part in various clubs and trips and take on leadership roles.

These experiences help them to build their confidence and social skills. Pupils contribute to school life. They learn to respect others and to celebrate different cultures.

Pupils develop into independent learners. They are ready for their next steps.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school's curriculum clearly sets out what pupils should learn.

It identifies and develops common themes across subjects that pupils learn over time. This starts from the beginning of the early years, where children get off to a positive start to their learning journey. However, pupils still have gaps in their knowledge.

They are not always able to reflect on previous learning in enough depth. This is because the school does not consistently adapt the work pupils are given precisely enough.

Reading is a high priority.

Phonics is taught consistently well. Staff have the expertise to teach it effectively. They closely monitor pupils' progress.

Pupils who fall behind are provided with effective targeted support delivered by well-trained staff. This helps them to catch up. Reading books are at the correct level of challenge.

They help pupils to become fluent and confident readers.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) have their needs identified promptly. Staff accurately identify the specific support that each pupil requires.

They adapt activities for pupils with SEND to ensure that all pupils access the same curriculum. They work closely with external agencies to seek guidance and support to help meet any pupils' extra individual needs. Staff continually encourage parents to be involved with their child's learning.

For example, parents' views are considered when reviewing the support in place for pupils with SEND.

Children in the early years are happy, confident and eager to learn. The environment in both the Nursery and Reception classrooms is calm and well organised.

To develop curiosity, children are encouraged to explore new things and ask questions. Staff support language development through effective interactions. Routines are quickly established, and these support positive behaviour.

Children learn to take turns and work together. Staff regularly assess what children know and can do. They use this information to inform future teaching priorities.

Children leave the setting appropriately prepared for the next stage of their education.

The school places a high priority on attendance. Procedures and expectations have been strengthened and are regularly shared with parents.

For pupils whose attendance falls below the school's expectations, staff work in partnership with parents and offer support and help. As a result, attendance rates have improved. Pupils understand and follow the school rules.

They know they should be 'ready, respectful and safe'.

The school provides a well-planned programme for personal, social and health education. Pupils learn about healthy relationships, how to stay safe and the importance of physical health.

This prepares them well as they move on to key stage 2. There is a wide range of enrichment clubs, including athletics, dodgeball and Portuguese club.

The trust and governors have worked hard to help improve the quality of education for all pupils.

For example, a wide range of professional development for staff has focused on phonics, pupils with SEND and early years. This has improved staff's confidence and knowledge. The school and trust work well together to provide support and challenge, ensuring that the school continues to improve.

Governors regularly review staff's workload and well-being. Staff appreciate this support.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• The school does not adapt the work pupils are given with sufficient precision. As a result, some pupils do not learn and remember essential knowledge with enough depth. The school should ensure that teachers have the knowledge they require so that they can precisely adapt the work given to pupils across the curriculum.

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