Shottermill Infant School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 January 2023

Pupils smile, care and look out for each other. They happily skip into school to learn each day. Tender relationships exist between staff and the young pupils. Parents cannot praise this school enough in how leaders ensure their children are safe and looked after. Leaders believe that all pupils can succeed. From day one of Reception Year, they instil the school's six values and teach the routines children need to follow. Pupils behave well because staff expect them to. They give pupils helpful reminders so that everything becomes second nature in what to do. Pupils are kind and enjoy making new friends. Staff teach pupils about bullying, and pupils are confident to spot if it were to happen. It rarely does, as pupils know to be respectful. Community spirit is at the heart of Shottermill Infant School. Pupils' characters develop early on, as they actively contribute to village life. Leaders proactively work on pupils' independence, and pupils are keen to help those in need. Pupils know they must work hard. They enjoy their learning and are keen to know more and more. Outside of lessons, the playground is brimming with cheerful pupils going about their everyday lives.

What the school should improve

• In some areas of learning in early years, the component knowledge children should learn has not been precisely identified. Sometimes, teachers are thinking about the activities and experiences before considering what it is children should learn. Leaders should continue with reviewing the school's curriculum to ensure that knowledge builds cumulatively and connects to what pupils then learn in key stage 1.
• Governors do not always consistently assure themselves that pupils have learned the ambitious curriculum successfully. Governors should ensure their checks are rigorous and precise to support school leaders in helping all pupils to achieve highly.

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