New Invention Infant School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 March 2026

Pupils feel valued, included and cared for at New Invention Infant School. They learn in a safe and nurturing environment where staff know them well and help them grow in confidence. Pupils enjoy a broad curriculum and take part in memorable experiences, including visits such as the trip to the aerospace museum. They also benefit from a wide range of sports, crafts and music clubs, with the school choir being a distinctive feature. These opportunities spark curiosity, build skills and help pupils develop new interests and talents. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, disadvantaged pupils and those known to social care participate fully in school life and feel a real sense of belonging. The school’s mantra, ‘We can… we will… together’ is reflected in the positive relationships and inclusive culture across the school. Across the curriculum, pupils typically achieve well and build knowledge securely as they move through the school. However, the teaching of early reading, particularly in early years, lacks consistency, and this slows progress for some pupils. Leaders recognise this and are taking steps to improve the quality and consistency of phonics teaching. Most pupils are well prepared for key stage 2 by the time they leave school. Disadvantaged pupils make suitable progress because leaders prioritise reducing barriers to learning and wellbeing. Pupils generally behave well across the school. They feel safe and trust adults to deal with any issues. Bullying is rare, and staff respond quickly and effectively when concerns are raised. Pupils show high levels of respect, understanding and cooperation. This creates a positive environment where everyone can succeed and feel valued. Pupils attend school regularly. Staff work closely with families to reduce barriers and provide tailored support. Leaders use positive incentives, including encouraging messages sent home, to reinforce the importance of good attendance. They monitor attendance closely and act quickly when concerns arise.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue to strengthen the rigour of monitoring cycles to ensure that standards continue to rise.
• Leaders should ensure that pupils who are at the early stages of learning to read are taught consistently well so that more children read accurately and with increasing fluency by the end of Reception.
• Leaders should continue to develop and strengthen oracy across all aspects of the curriculum and all year groups to maximise progress for all pupils.

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