Pennington Infant School maintains 'good' Ofsted rating

PENNINGTON Infant School has maintained a ‘good’ rating following its latest Ofsted inspection.

During a visit by government officers in October, the school in Priestlands Road was found to be ‘good’ in terms of its education quality, early years provision and pupils’ behaviour and attitudes.

Inspectors also rated the school as ‘good’ for its leadership and management and personal development of its 78 pupils.

A school spokesperson said: “The inspectors quickly recognised the efforts made since the last inspection, noting the impact of the learning values which are now embedded in all aspects of school life.

“We would like to thank the whole staff team, including children, staff, governors and the wider school community who have all worked so hard since the previous inspection.”

They added: “We pride ourselves on having a strong sense of community, offering a small school who puts wellbeing at the heart of all we do.”

The inspectors’ report said: “Leaders have successfully addressed the areas identified as needing improvement at the last inspection.

“They rightly prioritised embedding changes within their phonics and mathematics teaching.

“This has been greatly aided by a settled team of school staff who have been well trained and work together.

“Teachers have strong subject knowledge and routinely adjust their teaching in response to how well pupils know and remember their learning.

“However, in some subjects, leaders do not know how often this adaptation is needed and therefore how well pupils learn the intended curriculum.

“Leaders’ work to improve the mathematics curriculum has resulted in pupils achieving well.

“This starts in early years where children experience a number-rich environment. From this early age, children are encouraged to explain their mathematical thinking using appropriate vocabulary.”

Ofsted inspectors said teachers know how to identify pupils with special educational needs or disabilities and are able to provide “appropriate nurture and support”.

The report found school leaders are “meticulous” with their safeguarding procedures and the training staff receive.

However, it added: “In some foundation subjects, the intended curriculum does not align with pupils’ prior learning.

“This means that teachers have to routinely adapt the curriculum to address and close gaps in pupils’ learning.

“Leaders need to make sure that they have clear oversight about how well the intended curriculum is equipping pupils with the key knowledge and skills they need.”