Belvedere Infant School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school School leaders, including the governing body, have quickly put in place robust systems for managing the performance of teachers, linked to targets and training.

As a result, teachers and other adults are working together as a professional team determined to raise standards further. The school's well-planned curriculum provides good opportunities for developing pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. There are good opportunities for pupils to develop their literacy and numeracy skills across the wider curriculum.

Teachers and other adults have a secure understanding of the age group they are working with and the requirem...ents of the new curriculum. Effective leadership has improved the school markedly since the previous inspection. Consequently, the quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good, and pupils make good progress from their different starting points.

Pupils' attainment in reading, writing and mathematics has improved steadily. Standards are above the national average by the end of Year 2 in reading and mathematics, and in line with writing in 2016. Pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education.

The teaching of phonics (letters and the sounds they make) has improved over the past two years and is good. Children in the early years enjoy the wide range of learning activities, both inside and outside the classrooms, that enable them to achieve well. It is not yet an outstanding school because : There is variability in the quality of subject leadership and the impact this has on improving teaching, learning and assessment.

Occasionally, teachers do not correct pupils' misconceptions or use their existing knowledge about pupils to set work which extends pupils' knowledge, understanding and skills. While the majority of pupils behave well, a small minority interrupt lessons or are slow to follow the school's expectations of behaviour. Some pupils and parents comment that, on occasions, bullying takes place.

Information about this school

This is a larger than average-sized infant and nursery school. It has three classes in each year group from Reception Year to Year 2. The school provides part-time provision for three-to-four-year-olds in one morning Nursery class and in one afternoon Nursery class.

Most pupils are from White British backgrounds or Black African backgrounds. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds is above the national average. Three quarters of the remaining pupils are represented by several ethnic groups, with a quarter represented by those from an Indian heritage.

Just over half of the school population speak English as an additional language. The proportion of pupils who receive support though the pupil premium funding is above average. The pupil premium is additional government funding given to schools for disadvantaged pupils who are eligible for free school meals or are looked after by the local authority.

The proportion of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is slightly higher than the national average. However, the proportion of pupils with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan is below average. The school meets the requirements on the publication of specified information on its website.

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