Scargill Infant School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 November 2021

Pupils enjoy coming to this school. They know that their teachers want them to be happy and to do well. Parents and carers praised the school's friendly atmosphere. They like that their children attend a school where staff know pupils really well. Leaders prioritise developing pupils' language and communication skills. Pupils like to talk to visitors about what they have learned. They enjoy discovering new things and finding out about the world around them. Staff have high expectations of pupils. In many subjects, the curriculum enables pupils to develop their knowledge and understanding well. Where staff find gaps, they help pupils to catch up. This approach is less developed in some subjects. When children join Reception, they quickly settle into the routines of school life. They play happily together and work alongside each other well. This continues in Years 1 and 2. There is a calm atmosphere in the school. Pupils feel safe and know that adults in the school care for them. Pupils typically behave well. Staff teach pupils about bullying. Pupils said that it does not happen in their school. Adults deal with any unkindness quickly. They encourage pupils to be considerate of others. Pupils like taking on additional responsibilities, for example as school council members or helping out their peers in the classroom.

What the school should improve

• All subjects are planned to match the expectations of the national curriculum. In a few subjects, however, planning provides too little information on the specific knowledge that pupils need to learn. As a result, teaching does not prioritise and ensure pupils remember essential ideas and concepts. Recently appointed subject leaders have identified the steps they need to take to address these weaker aspects. The curriculum is being revised and leaders plan to train staff and check the impact of their actions. For this reason, the transitional arrangements have been applied. Leaders should ensure that all subjects are sufficiently well planned and sequenced, and ensure that subject leaders support staff to teach the curriculum effectively in all curriculum areas.

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