St Denys Church of England Infant School, Ibstock

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 February 2025

Pupils flourish in this happy and welcoming school. All staff know each child individually well. Pupils show great confidence in a nurturing environment. They are well supported if they feel any worries or insecurity. Pupils are encouraged to become wise, kind and caring members of society. The 'school code' helps them to live up to the high expectations for their behaviour. The school has a calm but productive atmosphere. Pupils join in enthusiastically with all the school has to offer. The engaging curriculum enthuses pupils and prepares them well for their next stage. Their learning is enhanced by many trips and visitors. Visiting a local colliery helped pupils to learn about George Stephenson's impact on coal mining. Visitors of different faiths enhance pupils' knowledge of different religious practices. Older pupils develop character and independence through experiences such as a residential trip to Sherwood Forest. Pupils develop talents by singing in the choir or joining clubs. The school has inspired some talented runners through the cross-country club. Events like 'Community Week' teach pupils about citizenship and responsibility. For example, pupils picked litter and sang in a local residential home. Older pupils are proud of their roles as play leaders or serving on the pupil or eco council. They say, 'We always work together.'

What the school should improve

• Sometimes, learning activities do not match the ambitions or intentions of the curriculum. Additionally, learning is sometimes not checked well enough to identify and address any misconceptions or insecurities in pupils' knowledge. This means that pupils do not build knowledge as well or in as much depth as they could. The school should ensure that learning activities and the checks made on pupils' learning enable them to achieve consistently well.
• Learning activities are sometimes not adapted sufficiently well enough for some pupils with SEND to complete without considerable adult support. This means that these pupils cannot build knowledge successfully and learn with independence. The school should ensure that teaching is adapted effectively so all pupils, including those with SEND, can achieve well.

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