Grindon Infant School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 20 January 2026

Pupils benefit from the clear vision and high expectations leaders have for them. Pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, are supported to build their learning in small manageable steps so that they develop their knowledge and skills in meaningful ways. However, despite progress from their starting points, over time, too many pupils lack the skills to confidently decode and read with fluency by the time they leave the school. This is a calm and caring school. Secure and positive relationships between pupils and staff help pupils to arrive happy and ready to learn each day. Leaders and staff work together effectively to ensure that pupils make a positive start to their learning journey. Pupils enjoy their learning and are keen to attend school regularly. Most pupils do. Leaders set high standards for behaviour and pupils rise to these expectations. Pupils show respect to each other, staff and visitors. They learn in settled and harmonious classrooms. Pupils feel safe at the school. They know adults will always help them. Pupils demonstrate a clear understanding of bullying. They know that if this happens, staff will sort it out quickly. Pupils benefit from a wide range of exciting and engaging opportunities beyond the classroom. Pupils talk animatedly about their improved break times. The wide range of outdoor learning on offer enables pupils to play and socialise with each other while demonstrating teamwork and kindness. They value being able to vote and have their views heard. This helps pupils to prepare well for life beyond school. After-school clubs are well attended. Pupils have the opportunity to develop skills in a range of activities, including scootering and swimming.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that work to further improve outcomes enables pupils to be increasingly ready for their next stages in learning, with a particular focus on securing strong foundations in reading. • Leaders should ensure that adaptations to learning are consistently highly effective and precisely matched to pupils’ needs. • Leaders should continue to embed practices relating to the improvements made in pupils' attendance so that attendance rates improve further.

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