Somercotes Infant and Nursery School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 27 February 2024

Pupils feel happy and safe at this well-led, nurturing school. There is a calm yet vibrant atmosphere. Pupils love coming to school and thoroughly enjoy learning. The curriculum is ambitious and well thought out. It supports pupils to communicate clearly and encourages them to strive to do well. It is broadening pupils' knowledge of the diverse world beyond Somercotes. The curriculum helps prepare pupils well for junior school. Children thrive in early years. They settle in quickly and soon become focused and active learners. They especially love reading and reciting poetry and rhymes. The school makes sure that pupils learn how to behave appropriately in a range of situations. Pupils learn how to regulate their emotions. They understand the school's high expectations of their behaviour. Pupils consistently follow the school rules: 'be kind, be ready, work hard'. Pupils learn about responsibility. Some are play leaders and mini lunchtime supervisors. They help make sure that the school remains harmonious throughout the day. The school council helps pupils 'use their voice' in a positive way and to suggest improvements. Parents and carers, particularly of children with additional needs, appreciate the care and support provided. They comment positively on their child's progress at the school.

What the school should improve

• A small number of foundation subjects are at earlier stages of development and implementation than other subjects. The core knowledge that the school intends pupils to learn is less precise in these subjects. This is reflected in less effective lesson activities. As a result, pupils do not know and remember as much as they could. The school needs to identify clearly the key knowledge that pupils should learn and remember.

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