Alexander First School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 7 March 2023

Alexander First School is a small school with a big heart. Many pupils have attended more than one school previously, as their parents move regularly because they serve in the army. The challenges pupils face as a consequence are never far from leaders' minds. Staff ensure that they know pupils well, and want the best for them. They work as a capable team to ensure that pupils make progress and that they are happy learning and playing together. In class, pupils support each other through paired work and enthusiastically contribute to discussions. During lunchtimes, pupils play a variety of games and have the opportunity to use the extensive school grounds with their friends. They play a range of games and can choose to participate in activities led by the sports coach, challenges supervised by staff or make up their own games. Pupils look forward to the various lunchtime and after-school clubs. Pupils are kind. They value each other and show great understanding of the challenges they face. Pupils know that it can be difficult to move to a new school, and embrace new friends warmly and with open arms. Bullying at Alexander First School is rare. Pupils rightly have complete confidence that, if it happens, adults will respond quickly to help resolve the matter.

What the school should improve

• Some subjects are taught in blocks. Where this is the case, pupils find it difficult to remember what they have learned previously. Leaders should consider how best to ensure teaching builds pupils' learning systematically over time in all subjects.

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