Ad Astra Infant School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 28 April 2026

Pupils arrive full of enthusiasm and with a desire to learn. Caring and respectful relationships between staff and pupils help them to settle quickly into their morning routines. Staff know pupils for the unique individuals they are. Where necessary, they patiently support them and remove any challenges so that pupils across the school, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who are disadvantaged, get off to a great start to the school day. This helps pupils to feel confident and develop a real sense of belonging. Pupils display positive attitudes to learning and achieve well. They are keen to share their ideas with their peers and talk with enthusiasm about their learning. Published outcomes in the Year 1 phonics screening check over time are significantly above the national average. Pupils are well prepared for the next stage in their education. Staff have high expectations of pupils' behaviour. This begins in the early years where children follow the well-established routines. Children know and understand the school’s approach to managing behaviour. They feel proud when they move their 'peg up' for making excellent choices. Bullying is rare. Pupils understand the difference between falling out and bullying. They are confident that staff would address any worries or concerns quickly. As a result, pupils feel safe and cared for. Pupils attend well. Leaders are unapologetic for their insistence on high attendance. Where families need additional support, staff work sensitively with them. Pupils participate in a wide range of enrichment opportunities. These include ‘aspirations day’, care home visits and a farm visit. A wide range of projects and initiatives has a tangible impact on pupils' sense of fairness, responsibility and citizenship. Pupils understand key rights and help others to understand their rights, such as environmental campaigns, letters to the local member of parliament and community projects. These experiences help pupils form a well-developed moral compass and contribute positively to their community.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue to develop staff expertise so that they incisively check pupils’ learning to identify gaps and build pupils’ knowledge sequentially.
• Leaders should further develop pupils’ secure and detailed knowledge across the wider curriculum.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)