Elson Infant School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 March 2024

This is a highly inclusive school. All pupils are welcomed. Pupils arrive to the school and are greeted by smiling staff and music that builds excitement for the day ahead. The school's learning superheroes are a golden thread that runs through the school. Pupils embody 'Can do Connie' by trying their best and living up to teachers' high expectations for their learning. Pupils are enthusiastic about discovering different subjects. One pupil reflected the views of many when they said, 'The best thing about school is learning.' Pupils feel safe. Most behave very well. In lessons, pupils sit in their 'strong gorilla' pose, showing they are paying attention. Pupils enjoy being rewarded for being like 'Respectful Rubin'. They are proud of the badges and certificates they receive in recognition of their kind behaviour and achievements. Pupils acknowledge that sometimes bullying might happen. However, they know that adults will help them. During lunchtime, pupils play sociably together. The range of experiences pupils have while attending this school is impressive. Local visits, live performances and frequent visitors provide numerous opportunities to learn beyond the curriculum. Pupils have enjoyed working with the local community to design allotment boxes. These broad experiences significantly enhance pupils' cultural understanding.

What the school should improve

• In a small number of subjects, leaders have not yet precisely identified and sequenced the detailed knowledge that they want pupils to learn. This means that teachers do not always know exactly what knowledge and skills need to be taught and in what order. The school needs to ensure that the curriculum is coherently planned and sequenced across all subjects.

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