St John's Church of England Infant and Nursery School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 May 2022

Pupils at St John's Church of England Infant and Nursery School live out the school's 'HAPPY' motto. Finding the curriculum interesting, pupils embody the 'Y' in the school's motto: yes to learning. Pupils relish opportunities to talk about what they learn, remembering lots of it. How staff and parents support pupils' reading helps pupils greatly. Pupils say reading their book repeatedly helps them to 'really know it' and to read with confidence. They also talk excitedly about perusing the well-stocked library, which devoted 'library monitors' maintain, to select a book to read with an adult at home. Pupils know how to use the colour-based feelings system to recognise and respond to their emotions. This helps them embody the 'P' for positive in 'HAPPY'. It does not take long to spot one of the 'playground pals' at breaktime or lunchtime, keeping an eye on proceedings and stepping in if someone needs a helping hand. Pupils speak happily about their relationships with each other and the staff. They struggle to give examples of bullying or fallings out between friends. Pupils say were it to happen, staff would sort it all out. As a result, they feel happy and safe in school.

What the school should improve

• Leaders can evaluate what is working well and what must improve in their curriculum. However, where some leaders are new to role, they lack the confidence, knowledge and experience to check that their concerns over pedagogical approaches have been addressed. Problems with some teachers' pedagogy and how this affects some pupils' achievement are then not resolved efficiently. Training and systems must be organised that allow leaders at all levels to oversee a clear cycle of monitoring and support for staff, to ensure all pupils achieve their best.

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