Ashley Infant School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 18 March 2025

As one parent summed up perfectly, Ashley Infants 'nurtures and brings out the best in children'. The simple school 'promises' set a high bar and successfully cultivate a happy, inclusive working atmosphere. There is a notable abundance of smiles from pupils and staff throughout the day. Pupils' behaviour in and out of class is impressive. They are kind to each other and rarely fall out. Pupils of all ages are respectful, listen to adults and to each other and try their best. There is an unmistakeable sense of purpose in classrooms. The carefully designed curriculum grabs pupils' interest and builds their knowledge and understanding step by step. Pupils get so much more than an academic education at Ashley. Everything is centred on the mantra that 'childhood is precious', both in itself and in preparing pupils for their future. The 'CHARM' values are the golden thread through daily life, encouraging pupils' 'can do' attitudes and equipping them with important life skills. From Reception upwards, they learn to recognise their feelings and how to manage them if they are sad or angry. Pupils benefit hugely from working and playing alongside their friends from other backgrounds and those with different needs. They have a mature understanding of, and respect for, diversity.

What the school should improve

• The ambitious curriculum in the foundation subjects is not fully realised in practice. Pupils do not readily remember some of the intended learning. The school should ensure that, as part of its plans to further develop assessment, that checks cover subject-specific skills as well as knowledge.

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