Orchard Lea Infant School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 28 April 2026

Pupils are happy at this inclusive and welcoming school. They feel respected and valued. The school’s vision of ‘every child, every day’ shapes pupils' daily life and learning. Pupils enjoy coming to school and learning alongside their friends. From the early years and throughout the school, staff teach pupils how to recognise and manage their feelings and behaviour effectively. Pupils become resilient and independent. They understand the school rules and most follow them well. Pupils learn in classrooms where staff manage behaviour calmly and consistently. Pupils benefit from lessons that are calm and focused. Playtimes are lively and friendly. Bullying is not a problem here. Pupils feel safe and know that adults listen and help if they have concerns or worries. Pupils attend school regularly. They know that leaders will support and encourage them to be at school. Staff build pupils' confidence and their ability to follow routines. Pupils are welcomed warmly each morning and settle quickly into learning. Relationships between staff, pupils and families are warm and trusting. Parents and carers speak very positively about the school and the difference it makes to their children’s confidence, learning and happiness. Pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, typically achieve well. This is because the school has high ambitions for all its pupils. Staff get to know pupils quickly and understand their strengths, interests and needs. Pupils succeed in their learning, helped by the adaptations that staff make to the support and/or learning activities that they provide. Pupils who need additional help, for instance with how they learn or how they feel, receive prompt support from staff. Pupils feel included and successful. Pupils enjoy their learning and are proud of their progress, particularly in reading and writing.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that all staff embed the changes made to the curriculum and teaching, so that pupils’ knowledge builds over time and they progress through the curriculum well from their starting points.
• Leaders should continue their recent work, including on strengthening pupils' transcription skills, reading fluency and the application of phonics, so that pupils’ achievement is reflected in above-average outcomes in national tests.

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