Overdale Infant School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 January 2025

This is a warm and welcoming school where parents and carers appreciate the positive ethos. As one parent, who expressed a view typical of many, said: 'Overdale Infant School is a family. It is a lovely community.' Pupils are happy and safe. The school is ambitious for all pupils to flourish and succeed. Pupils achieve well. The school has high expectations for pupils' behaviour and conduct. Most pupils respond well to these. A small number of pupils need some reminders about the school's expectations to respect one another at social times of the day. Pupils are confident that trusted adults in school address any poor behaviour choices promptly. Pupils enjoy responsibilities such as the school council and eco-ambassadors. They are proud of roles to help in class as 'fireflies.' Pupils are keen to help with play equipment and make sure everyone has a friend to play with during social times. Pupils enjoy the range of sporting opportunities that nurture wider interests and talents. Dodgeball, gymnastics and football are popular clubs available to all. The school prioritises pupils' well-being and character development by encouraging pupils to think about 'character muscles' such as being resilient.

What the school should improve

• The ambitious intent in a few curriculum subjects, is not fully embedded. This means that the school's curriculum implementation is variable in its effectiveness and as a result, some pupils' knowledge is insecure. This includes the aims for curriculum progression in Reception from pre-school. The school should continue to embed the curriculum so that pupils build on prior learning securely.
• On occasions, teachers do not always act on their checks of pupils' understanding well enough to recognise and address misconceptions. This means that pupils have errors that are not corrected and do not always benefit from the most appropriate next steps to deepen their understanding. The school should continue to support staff with strategies to check and respond to pupils needs so that pupils achieve as well as they should.
• Although some pupils have strong attendance, some pupils are absent from school too frequently. This means that they miss too much important learning and do not benefit from the good education that the school provides. The school should continue to work with families to ensure that pupils attend school regularly.

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