Balksbury Infant School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 7 July 2026

Pupils thrive here. Leaders go out of their way to make sure that pupils and their families feel that they belong. Well-planned introductions to school mean that the children are already eagerly anticipating joining their Reception class in September. Older pupils act as buddies to classmates who join at other times. Warm relationships ensure that pupils feel well cared for and safe in school. Attendance is high. Staff rarely have to deal with deliberately unkind behaviour or actions. Pupils work and play happily alongside each other. Staff are at the classroom door every morning with a positive greeting and a listening ear for any parents and carers who need a quick catch up. Pupils are invariably waiting as the doors open, keen to get into school. Staff sensitively scoop up anyone who does not find the start of the day easy. Well-established routines mean that no time is lost as pupils quickly settle to purposeful morning tasks. Classrooms are hives of activity. Pupils benefit from the time and effort leaders have put into ensuring a well-designed and skilfully delivered curriculum. Staff are well trained to meet the range of needs in their classes. Pupils achieve well. They are enthusiastic readers and well prepared for the move to junior school. Leaders do everything they can to give pupils the very best experiences. Visits and visitors enrich learning. The range of clubs provide something for everyone. Being part of the Balksbury family is a bonus. Pupils enjoy playing with older friends and family members in the junior school at breaktimes. The shared outdoor environment offers a wealth of activities. Pupils love the opportunities they get to learn in the junior school’s specialist facilities, such as the computing suite. They leave the infant school well on their way to developing the attitudes and attributes that will distinguish them as a Balksbury Citizen.

What the school should improve

• Leaders and those responsible for governance should ensure that they sustain and build on the school’s highly effective work so as to have a transformational impact on pupils’ achievement and wider development, particularly those who face barriers to learning.

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