Shillington Lower School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 July 2023

Pupils at Shillington Lower School take pride in their achievements. Staff encourage pupils to be independent. They organise lessons to help every pupil to do their best. Pupils say that it is alright to make mistakes because this helps them remember what to do well next time. Staff have clear expectations of pupils' behaviour in class. This means that they listen well and are attentive. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) take part in all aspects of school life and work well alongside their peers. Pupils feel happy and safe. They believe that everyone should be treated fairly and equally. They say they know who to go to if they have a worry and that bullying is rare. Parents and pupils are confident that if bullying does occur, leaders deal with it effectively. Pupils enjoy a wide range of clubs and activities, such as gardening and multi- sports. These enable pupils to follow their interests and broaden their horizons. Pupils learn the benefits of physical activity on fitness and mental health. They like the responsibility of leading games that keep themselves and others active. Pupils learn about water safety from a young age through access to the school swimming pool.

What the school should improve

• In some foundation subjects, curriculum plans are in the early stages of implementation. Not all teachers have a secure understanding of how key knowledge in these subjects builds over time. Leaders should continue to establish their curriculum plans so that pupils have sufficient time to revisit and integrate new knowledge into wider learning.
• By the end of Reception, children achieve well. In the pre-school, the curriculum doesn't always precisely identify the knowledge children will acquire in some areas of learning. This means children do not secure the knowledge and skills they need to benefit from what the curriculum has to offer for the rest of their schooling. Leaders need to ensure they plan precisely for the knowledge they want children to learn from the youngest age so that this can lay the foundations for success across the curriculum into Year 1.

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