Chapel Street Infants and Nursery School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 25 April 2023

Pupils' happy faces show how much they like their school. They feel safe and secure here. Pupils love their breaktimes. They can stretch their muscles on the outdoor gym equipment, or dance to music on the soft-play area. They can draw or chat quietly if they prefer. There is always plenty for everyone to do. Adults want all pupils to do well, so that they are ready for junior school when the time comes. Pupils know that their teachers expect them to work hard in lessons. Even the youngest children listen carefully and pay attention. This helps pupils to learn and to achieve well, including those pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils learn to follow the school rules and to behave well. For example, children in the Nursery class handle books and resources carefully. Older pupils diligently stack their plates and cutlery in the right place when they have finished their lunch. Pupils show kindness towards each other. Adults put a swift stop to any bullying behaviour, should it occur. There is a wide programme of activities for pupils' personal development. For example, there are a number of after-school clubs to choose from, such as gardening, construction or gymnastics. Pupils contribute to fundraising activities and take part in sports competitions with other schools. All pupils can participate in these activities, including those with SEND.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, subject leaders' work to understand the impact of the curriculum in their subjects is at an early stage. This prevents them from being able to make any necessary changes to the curriculum to help pupils to know more and remember more. Leaders must now ensure that subject leaders have the time that they need to evaluate the impact of the curriculum on pupils' learning over time.
• In a few areas of learning in the early years curriculum, not enough thought has been given to defining the most important knowledge that children need to know or the order in which this should be taught. This makes it difficult for leaders and staff to be sure that children are learning everything that they need to know. Leaders, including subject leaders, must ensure that staff in the early years have all of the guidance that they need in each area of learning.

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