Mengham Infant School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 12 May 2026

Pupils enjoy coming to this warm and welcoming school. Pupils feel part of a caring community because staff know them well. They settle quickly into routines and develop positive attitudes to their learning. Pupils talk confidently about what they have learned and take pride in their work. From the early years, pupils steadily develop the knowledge and skills needed to move on successfully to the next stage of their education. On the whole, they are well prepared for future learning. Pupils feel a secure sense of belonging and treat one another with kindness and respect. They value the positive relationships they have with their peers and also with staff, who care deeply about their wellbeing. Pupils are keen to contribute to school life and take pride in roles of responsibility. For example, from the early years upwards, they can act as community champions, library leaders, playground pals and tidy team members. These responsibilities help pupils develop confidence and a shared commitment to making the school a positive place to be. Parents and carers speak highly of the school. They appreciate the care and support provided for their children and families. Pupils behave well and understand the school’s expectations. Classrooms are generally calm and purposeful, allowing pupils to focus on their learning. Pupils feel safe and know who to speak to if they have any concerns. Staff respond quickly to support pupils when needed, helping to maintain a positive environment. Pupils learn how to keep themselves safe, including online. Most pupils attend school regularly and understand the importance of attending well. They respond positively to incentives, such as earning paperclips for their class to earn a shared reward. This encourages teamwork and collective responsibility, and pupils enjoy celebrating their successes together.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that the teaching of spelling, punctuation and grammar is consistently embedded across the curriculum so that pupils’ writing is accurate and they are fully prepared for key stage 2.
• Leaders should continue to work on their attendance strategies to ensure that attendance, including for pupils who face barriers, improves and is consistently high.
• Leaders should ensure that participation in extra-curricular activities is consistently high across all pupil groups so that no pupils miss out on opportunities that support their wider development and wellbeing.

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