Chigwell Row Infant School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 7 November 2023

Pupils arrive at this school with a smile on their faces. They look forward to the day ahead of them. Everyone is welcomed and included. Pupils enjoy playing and learning together in the happy 'family' environment. The school week gets off to a great start with 'Milkshake Mondays'. This is a chance to celebrate pupils who have shown the school values by being 'caring, respectful and successful'. At the end of each week, 'Forest Fridays' enable pupils to explore and learn about nature. Pupils know that their teachers want them to do well. They try hard in lessons. From the early years, children learn to focus and to take turns. Older pupils listen carefully to their teachers and each other. This helps them to understand new ideas. High standards of behaviour are expected and demonstrated by adults and pupils. Pupils move around the school calmly. The playground is well set out with space for pupils to run and let off steam safely. There is also space to write and draw, or to chat with friends. Many parents value the school highly. They comment on how happy their children are to attend and how they 'flourish' in the caring environment.

What the school should improve

• The school is not consistently clear about what is working well and where adjustments to curriculum planning and teaching will secure further improvements for pupils. When this happens, pupils may achieve less well. The school should ensure that the right checks are in place to identify and act rapidly to address any gaps in teaching or learning.
• A small number of pupils miss too much time in school. They are absent too often or arrive late. These pupils are missing valuable time to learn and play with their peers and to take advantage of all that the school has to offer. The school should continue and further strengthen its efforts to secure regular, punctual attendance by all pupils.

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