Alderman Pounder Infant and Nursery School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 January 2023

Pupils are proud of their school. They learn to be curious, caring and polite. They enjoy their learning because it 'challenges' them. Pupils recognise how everyone at their school is different. They celebrate this diversity. One pupil told the inspector, 'It is good to be different or it would be boring.' Pupils feel safe. They listen carefully to their teachers. Social times are purposeful. Pupils learn to make good choices in their behaviour. When this does not happen, they know adults will help them to reflect and understand what to do next time. Most pupils understand what bullying is. They know any rare instances will be taken seriously and resolved quickly. Most parents and carers are positive about the work of the school. They appreciate how adults in school know and understand the pupils in their care. One parent, with a comment that was typical of many, said, 'They put children at the heart of all they do.' Leaders want the best possible start for all pupils in school. This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). However, some disadvantaged pupils do not learn to read or develop their understanding of vocabulary and language quickly enough.

What the school should improve

• Some pupils, many of whom are disadvantaged, do not quickly learn to read. Others do not develop their language and vocabulary securely. This slows down their progress and hinders them from developing secure foundations for future learning. Leaders must ensure that all pupils are secure in their knowledge of phonics and develop their language and vocabulary in meaningful ways so that they can deepen their understanding of the school's curriculum.

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