Briar Hill Infant School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils at Briar Hill Infant School thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Staff have high ambitions for all pupils.

These are realised, regardless of pupils' different starting points. Strong relationships between staff and pupils form the foundations of this remarkable and happy school. Staff invest time to get to know each child and they use this insight to nurture and meet their needs.

Pupils are kind and respectful. They grow together and 'flourish as a family'. This sense of belonging helps pupils feel valued and helps them to immerse themselves into all aspects of school life.

Pupils are encouraged to share their views and staff actively respond.... For example, some pupils show a keen interest for archery and dance-based fitness programmes which are now popular extra-curricular clubs. There are enrichment opportunities for pupils to supplement their learning beyond the classroom with visits to art galleries and theatres.

Pupils love to give back to the community. They visit a local care home where they play board games with residents. They raise money for charities and have strong links with a school in Africa.

The 'global group' work hard to preserve bees, 'picture news pioneers' present current affairs with a child-friendly approach, and 'reading champions' listen to their peers reading. All of this provides pupils with positive experiences of this infant school where they make lasting memories.

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

Leaders ensure that pupils are at the heart of every decision they make.

They are proactive in assessing and evaluating what is working well and what needs to be refined further to meet the growing needs of pupils. Leaders ensure that staff are equipped with professional development and subject-specific training to be highly effective in the classroom. Governors have an accurate view of the school.

They are dedicated and committed professionals who adopt a range of strategies to understand precisely what the school does well. This includes listening to the views of pupils and their families to ensure that the school is effectively responding to need. As a result of this child-centred approach, every pupil shines.

Every opportunity is a learning opportunity and pupils relish in this. Staff are experts in the subjects they teach and use their knowledge to meticulously sequence the learning. Teachers introduce new learning in a highly effective way.

They then use a range of effective pedagogical strategies, such as rhyme and action, to successfully help pupils remember what they have learned. Over time, teaching reinforces key knowledge. Pupils revisit ideas and deepen their understanding.

As a result, pupils build on knowledge over time and apply their learning exceptionally well.

Staff have high expectations and high ambitions for what they want pupils to achieve, and pupils rise to this. In lessons pupils are keen, positive and demonstrate a love to learn.

When pupils struggle or fall behind with the work, staff effectively help to diminish this gap. They re-teach the same content in an adapted way. This means all pupils produce high-quality work and achieve ambitious endpoints.

The school accurately identifies pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). It works work with families, external agencies, staff and pupils to develop strategies to help pupils overcome their barriers to learning. Pupils with SEND access the same learning as their peers in a way that meets their individual needs.

This is highly effective. Both 'Blossom' and 'Bluebell' rooms supplement the experience for pupils with communication and interaction needs. The targeted support pupils receive in this provision provides pupils with the tools they need to be successful.

They give pupils who need specialist support precisely what they need to become increasingly independent. All of this means that pupils with SEND progress exceptionally well.

There is a sharp focus on teaching pupils to read.

As soon as children start in Reception they learn to read and write. Staff have the necessary expertise to instil a love of reading and to develop pupils into fluent readers. They support parents and carers with resources and online videos to equip them with tips to help develop their child's fluency.

Pupils who are at the early stages of learning to read receive the necessary support to catch up with their peers. This is effective.

Pupils enjoy learning and behave impeccably during lessons and at social times.

They engage well with learning and articulate the knowledge they have secured beautifully. Staff plan a vast range of activities in continuous provision for pupils in Reception that develop their interests, and literacy and numeracy knowledge and skills. This continues into break and lunchtime where there are further activities such as colouring and puzzles for pupils to participate in.

This gives opportunities for pupils with similar interests to come together. The 'make a friend' bench enables pupils to make new friends.

The school's personal, social and health education is a golden thread that permeates through school life.

The learning is taught in an age-appropriate way in Reception and is revisited and built on as pupils get older. As a result, pupils have a clear understanding of topics such as understanding how to use medicines safely, online safety and the importance of an active lifestyle.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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