Danesholme Infant Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 June 2023

Meeting individual pupils' needs is at the heart of leaders' actions at this school. Leaders ensure that they listen to pupils' views and act on them. As a result, pupils thrive. A warm, welcoming smile greets pupils every day. They know that their teachers are happy to see them. School is a safe place. Pupils know that they can speak to adults about any worries or concerns. Parents and carers appreciate how staff nurture relationships. As one parent said: 'Everyone is compassionate, patient, kind and professional.' The school's behaviour values of kindness, respect and achievement permeate the day-to-day life of the school. The 'skills builder' programme rewards pupils for demonstrating positive learning behaviours. Families share these achievements through the school's online communication tool. Pupils who need help to regulate their behaviour receive careful, considered support. Leaders work tirelessly to ensure that these pupils have positive experiences of education. All accomplishments for these pupils are celebrated, no matter how small. Children in the early years enjoy their time at school. They like to share books and learn about creatures that live under the sea, for example. Sometimes, independent activities are not purposeful. They do not always help children to build on their communication and language development.

What the school should improve

• Some leaders are new to their role. Although they have an accurate understanding of what needs to be done, many are at the early stages of implementing these improvements. This means that leaders' ambitions for the school's curriculum are not fully realised. Leaders must ensure that all staff have the necessary support and expertise to provide strong leadership in all aspects of school development. They must ensure that leaders make accurate checks on their area of responsibility.
• Sometimes, children in the early years do not benefit from meaningful learning during independent activities. Opportunities to develop children's language, ideas, concepts and vocabulary are not always maximised. This slows learning. Leaders must ensure that independent activities help children in the early years to know more of the school's curriculum. They must ensure that all staff have the confidence to use early years pedagogy to develop children's language so they are well prepared for Year 1.

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