Perryfields Infant School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 4 October 2022

Pupils at Perryfields Infant School are cheerful and welcoming. Pupils know their teachers expect the best for them, and so pupils typically listen carefully and work hard. Pupils remember lots of what they learn because their teachers usually provide clear instructions. Therefore, pupils are veritable storehouses of information on topics like doubling and halving, different family structures and staying safe online. In their three years at the school, pupils experience many memorable events. These complement the curriculum and broaden pupils' horizons. They include meeting authors, a trip to the seaside and visiting a local care home to sing Christmas carols. Recently, pupils thoroughly enjoyed the circus visiting school to commemorate 50 years since their school was built. Pupils were very grateful to their parents and school staff for arranging it. Pupils behave wonderfully. They particularly enjoy opportunities to lend a helping hand. The 'hall helpers' keep the dining hall tidy. They teach younger pupils to use polite table manners. Meanwhile, the 'play leaders' encourage pupils to take part in different activities on the playground. Given that pupils treat others kindly, bullying is rare. Pupils trust staff to stop it if it occurs. Therefore, pupils feel happy and safe in their school.

What the school should improve

• Leaders recognise their phonics programme could be better. Currently, a lack of regular training means teachers' actions are less effective than they could be, so some activities and books do not help the small number of weaker readers catch up as quickly as they should. Leaders should ensure they and their staff receive the training and resources they need to teach a rigorous phonics programme that ensures all pupils achieve their very best in reading.

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