Manby Lodge Infant School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 12 May 2026

Pupils are greeted warmly each day as they enter this happy, welcoming school. Pupils, including children in the early years, settle promptly into morning routines. They show enthusiasm for learning and benefit from the range of engaging teaching approaches used by staff. Pupils say that they enjoy school and that adults are kind. Staff provide attentive and supportive care, which helps pupils to feel safe and secure. Members of the wider community speak about the school with pride. The school’s vision of ‘All children succeed beyond expectations' underpins a culture of high ambition. This is reflected in pupils’ positive behaviour within this inclusive and nurturing school. Pupils achieve well. They build knowledge and skills across a broad range of subjects and, over time, become confident readers and mathematicians. Pupils delight in learning new knowledge from studying world-famous landmarks in geography to designing and building models and mechanisms in design and technology. Pupils who face barriers to their learning, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, benefit from effective support that enables them to make secure progress. Pupils behave well in lessons and when moving around the school. They understand expectations and follow established routines. Bullying is rare and is dealt with swiftly if any incidents occur. Pupils attend regularly and arrive punctually. Those who experience difficulties with attendance are provided with appropriate and timely support. As a result, overall attendance is above the national average. Pupils access a broad range of experiences beyond the classroom. Leaders enhance the taught curriculum with visits to a range of places, such as farms, wildlife trusts and places of worship within the local community. Relationships throughout the school are warm and positive. Pupils trust that there are staff they can talk to if they have any worries or concerns.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that the wider curriculum consistently equips all pupils with the knowledge, skills and understanding needed for the next stage of their education.
• In the early years, leaders should ensure that staff maximise opportunities for children’s learning through consistently high-quality interactions across all areas of provision.

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