Castle Hill Infant School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Despite considerable turbulence in leadership and academy arrangements, the determined principal has successfully focused on ensuring that the quality of education at Castle Infant School is good.

The principal is ably supported by the senior and middle leaders. All leaders share a clear vision for the school and make a strong contribution to the good and improving picture of teaching and, consequently, pupils' outcomes. Teaching is good as a result of well-considered training, high expectations and rigorous performance management.

During the transition period between academies, senior leaders and governors have received clear strategic g...uidance through strong support and effective challenge from the South Suffolk Learning Trust. The curriculum is well planned, with a rich variety of creative activities and memorable experiences that effectively prepare pupils for life in modern Britain. Pupils are friendly, polite and well mannered.

They behave well in lessons and around the school. They show respect for one another and are proud of their school. Children get off to a flying start in the early years.

Staff provide a highly stimulating and well-structured learning environment and ensure that children develop good learning behaviours. Subject leaders are keen and contribute effectively to ensuring that pupils are taught a broad range of subjects. However, many are new to their roles and do not yet fully lead improvements within their areas of responsibility.

Differences in progress and attainment between disadvantaged pupils and other pupils nationally are diminishing. However, leaders rightly identify that the achievement of disadvantaged pupils still needs to improve further. The quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good.

Teachers generally plan activities that are suited well to pupils' next steps in their learning. However, the work for the most able pupils is not routinely demanding enough, so these pupils do not achieve as well as they could.

Information about this school

The school is larger than the average-sized infant school.

It shares the same principal, leadership team and premises as Castle Hill Junior School. Until recently, the school was sponsored by the Bright Tribe Trust. Following the closure of the trust, the school has received support and challenge from the South Suffolk Learning Trust on an interim basis.

In March 2019, the school will join the ASSET Education Academies Trust. Most pupils are White British. The proportion of pupils eligible for support through the government's pupil premium funding is below the national average.

The proportion of pupils who receive SEND support is in line with the national average, and the proportion of pupils who have an education, health and care plan is well above the national average. The school has a special needs provision for pupils with moderate learning difficulties called the Specialist Support Centre (SSC). This provision currently has 10 pupils on roll from across the local authority.

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