Wheatfields Infants' and Nursery School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 January 2025

The school warmly welcomes pupils and their parents and carers every day, with Koby, the school dog, adding a special touch. Staff's genuine kindness helps children settle quickly into Nursery and Reception. These strong relationships nurture happiness and safety, shaping positive views of the school. The 'Treetops' before- and after-school club ensures that pupils who need an extended day eat healthily, share toys and engage in polite conversation. Pupils form friendships easily and play confidently. They enjoy a range of activities at playtimes, such as building forts from crates, improving their hand-eye coordination with a cup and ball or swinging on the monkey bars. The 'gold book' motivates them to give their best. They eagerly anticipate the celebration assemblies, where they and their peers receive recognition for their achievements and efforts, both in and out of school. This school sets high expectations for pupils' achievement. Pupils learn well through an engaging curriculum, enhanced by trips, workshops and visitors. For example, they recall vivid details about what life was like for children in Victorian times and have a deep knowledge of artists like Vincent Van Gogh and Pablo Picasso. They take great pride in producing wonderful artwork inspired by these artists.

What the school should improve

• In the early years, the component knowledge that children must learn is not clear enough. Teachers do not have sufficient clarity about what children need to learn and when they need to learn it. This limits the effectiveness of assessments in guiding teaching and ensuring all children achieve their best. The school should refine the curriculum with clear, measurable checkpoints to enable more efficient, timely assessment that better informs teaching.
• There are inconsistencies in how staff respond to instances of inattentive or impolite behaviour. When expectations are not communicated clearly and consistently, some pupils lose focus in lessons and do not always interact respectfully with adults and peers. The school should ensure that all staff apply consistent behaviour management strategies so that expectations are clear and reinforced, securing positive behaviour from all pupils.

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