Merrydale Infant School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 November 2023

Merrydale Infant School is a welcoming and friendly school. Pupils are really happy to be part of this school. One pupil, echoing the views of many, said, 'I love coming to school. I miss it when I am not here.' Pupils say that they feel safe, and that staff care for them well. Pupils learn to act kindly towards others. Their manners are beautiful. Pupils act sensibly in classrooms and along corridors, even on a wet and windy day at school. They politely hold doors open for each other. Staff are great role models. They show care for each and every pupil. This is most definitely 'one school with many strengths'. The school is ambitious for all pupils to achieve their very best. Pupils live up to these expectations. In lessons, pupils try their best and work hard. They strive to earn rewards, including the chance to be the 'star of the week'. Many pupils profit from the range of extra-curricular clubs that the school provides. Particular favourites are gardening and cooking clubs. Pupils are very proud to be school councillors. Younger children develop their understanding of responsibility through looking after Mary and Dale, the school guinea pigs.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, the school does not ensure that pupils are given sufficient opportunities to revisit and practise the key knowledge that they have been taught previously. This means that they sometimes start to learn new concepts when their previous knowledge is not secure. The school should ensure that pupils are not moved on in their learning too quickly, so that they build on their prior knowledge and know and remember more in these subjects.
• Recent changes to the curriculum development for some subjects is still new. It is too soon to see the full impact on pupils knowing and remembering more in these subjects. The school should continue to implement their ambitious curriculums in their entirety and monitor the impact of the curriculums to improve pupils' knowledge over time.
• Despite the school's best efforts so far, too many pupils are regularly absent for long periods of time. This means that these pupils are missing out on vital learning and not achieving as well as they could. The school should continue to work with families to improve attendance and ensure that parents understand the importance of regular attendance in order for pupils to maximise their potential.

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