Blue Coat Church of England Aided Infant School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 October 2022

This school is a place where everyone is welcome and appreciated. Leaders have created an ethos that nurtures each child's unique qualities. Pupils say they are happy to come to school. They feel safe when they are in school and know that adults care about them. Leaders have high expectations of pupils' behaviour and attitudes. Pupils know they should 'be kind, be safe and be ready to learn'. Pupils behave well in lessons and on the playground. They play well together and show kindness to each other. Most pupils say that bullying does not happen. They say that if it does, staff deal with it. Leaders' records support this view. Pupils enjoy a range of different subjects. They are good at recalling the mathematics facts they have previously learned. They know about different artists and are developing an appreciation of classical music. Opportunities in the wider curriculum help to develop pupils' character. Being an 'A star sheriff' or a school councillor enables pupils to contribute to their school community. Events such as the harvest festival ensure they also engage with their wider community. Pupils enjoy a range of extra-curricular clubs such as choir, multi-skills and art club.

What the school should improve

• A small number of pupils do not blend phonics well to read unknown words. As a result, they cannot read confidently or fluently. Leaders should ensure that these pupils receive appropriate support in phonics to improve their ability to read.
• Parts of the curriculum do not clearly identify the key knowledge that leaders want pupils to know and remember. At times, some units of work contain too much content. As a result, pupils do not always know and remember the intended learning. Leaders should ensure that all areas of the curriculum make clear the important knowledge they want pupils to learn.

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