Lindley Church of England Infant School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 12 May 2026

Pupils at this school are well cared for and safe. They arrive smiling and show positive attitudes to learning and to each other. Each day, staff greet pupils warmly at the door. This helps pupils feel welcome and valued. It also helps them develop a strong sense of belonging. Staff build positive relationships with pupils and their families. Pupils know they can speak to a trusted adult if they have any worries or concerns. Pupils attend well. They are usually keen to learn. Pupils talk with enthusiasm about their work, especially in subjects that interest them such as art and design. Pupils typically perform well in the Year 1 phonics screening check compared to national averages. However, currently too many pupils have gaps in their basic knowledge and skills. These gaps are most evident in early reading and writing. Teaching is not consistent across the school. At times, staff do not develop pupils’ language well or deepen their learning. Some staff do not design learning activities that match pupils’ needs consistently well. This means some pupils do not achieve as well as they should, including in the early years. The school provides timely support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those with barriers to learning or wellbeing. Until recently, leaders, including trustees, have not had an accurate view of the school’s strengths and weaknesses. They have not checked the quality of education with enough rigour. Despite these weaknesses, pupils are prepared for life beyond school. They enjoy events such as the ‘summer spectacular’ talent show. Every day they come together to sing and worship. Pupils benefit from visits and themed days that broaden their understanding of the world. Pupils, including those who act as pupil leaders, are proud to contribute to the school community.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that teachers design activities that match the intended learning closely in all lessons.
• Leaders should ensure that teachers' checks on pupils’ understanding help them to address gaps in knowledge consistently and deepen learning where needed.
• Leaders should ensure that consistently effective teaching enables pupils to develop secure foundational knowledge and skills in early reading, writing and mathematics.
• Leaders should ensure that staff deliver the early years curriculum consistently well, including through high-quality interactions. Leaders should also make sure that the learning environment is used effectively to help children develop their knowledge and skills across all 7 areas of learning.
• Those responsible for governance should strengthen their evaluation processes so that they gain an accurate understanding of the school’s strengths and weaknesses and use this to hold leaders to account more rigorously.
• Leaders should strengthen their overview of behaviour so that they can identify and respond quickly and effectively to any emerging patterns and trends.

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