Courthill Infant School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school? '

This is a wonderful school' and 'warm and nurturing environment for learning' are typical of parents' views and show what it is like to be a pupil at Courthill. The school ethos of 'believe, achieve, shine' is clear to see.

Pupils are at the heart of all that the school has to offer. Leaders have high expectations, and as a result, pupils achieve well.

Pupils' behaviour is good.

They understand the school values, which include respect, responsibility and resilience. This helps pupils stay physically and mentally healthy. Bullying is rare.

Pupils say that if it does happen, adults deal with it swiftly.

Pupils have the chance to lead on a wid...e range of aspects in school, for example, as eco-warriors and school ambassadors. Many clubs help foster pupils' interests, such as dance and drama.

Staff offer excellent pastoral support and go 'above and beyond' for pupils and their families. This ensures that pupils feel happy and safe in school and are ready to learn.

School leaders are proud of the inclusive and community feel that exists.

Parents appreciate all the school has to offer. They comment, 'Courthill School offers a warm, welcoming environment to all pupils and the wider community.'

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

Leaders aspire for all pupils to develop a life-long love of learning and achieve their full potential.

They have designed an ambitious curriculum which excites and inspires pupils to learn.

Pupils have a wide range of learning experiences from the moment they start school in Reception Year. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) learn the same curriculum content as their peers.

Teachers adapt the work to allow pupils to experience success and achieve well. However, leaders recognise that in some subjects, the knowledge and skills they want pupils to know can be disjointed. This means some pupils, including pupils with SEND, cannot remember the key knowledge taught.

As a result, some pupils do not build the depth of knowledge in these subjects. Leaders have plans in place to address this quickly.

Leaders know the importance of getting pupils to read as soon as possible.

They expect every pupil to become a fluent reader. Children learn phonics from the start. Staff receive training that gives them the knowledge and skills to teach early reading with confidence.

Reading books match the sounds that pupils know. Staff quickly spot pupils who may be at risk of falling behind. They intervene with additional support, which means pupils catch up quickly with their peers.

Pupils enjoy story time. They like how teachers bring the characters alive and the opportunity to join in.

Staff carefully weave pupils' spiritual, moral and social education throughout the curriculum.

Pupils learn about other cultures, faiths and backgrounds. Pupils understand the importance of respect and tolerance when discussing religions, life choices and family models different from their own. Leaders work hard to ensure everyone in the school community understands their rights.

As a result, pupils feel valued, know that their voice is heard and their views respected. The school has achieved the 'Rights Respecting School' gold award in recognition of this work.

Pupils' personal development is exceptional.

Many pupils take advantage of the clubs and additional opportunities made available to them. Attendance is high at these clubs. Leaders help pupils to be positive role models.

For example, pupils set up food banks for those less fortunate than they are and visit a local care home for older people. As a result, pupils become active citizens who learn how to contribute positively to society.

Leaders ensure that pupils experience a range of enrichment activities to enhance their personal development.

The '25 musts' is a firm favourite. Pupils relish completing these activities, such as exploring the school in the dark and travelling in a classic car at Beaulieu.

The school's 'growth mindset' ethos prepares pupils for future success.

For example, they learn how to cope when things are not so easy. Pupils' good behaviour helps learning in classrooms to go ahead without interruption.

Staff love working at Courthill.

They appreciate the training leaders provide to develop their knowledge and skills. They welcome the focus leaders place on their mental health and well-being. Leaders are conscious of staff workload and consider ways to help them manage this.

Governors and the trust know the school well. They hold leaders to account for the quality of education and care pupils receive.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Leaders have created a strong culture of safeguarding with the mantra, 'it could happen here'. Staff are well trained to notice and report any signs of concern. Leaders respond swiftly to support pupils and families in need of help and do not hesitate to escalate concerns when required.

Staff carry out the required checks on the suitability of staff to work with pupils. Leaders provide a curriculum that teaches pupils to understand age-appropriate risks, including healthy relationships. Pupils know that adults will listen to them if they have any concerns.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• In some subjects, learning is not designed well enough to enable pupils to gain the depth and fluency of knowledge they need. This means that some pupils, including pupils with SEND, cannot remember the key knowledge taught across the curriculum. Leaders must ensure that all components are consistently in place so that the knowledge that pupils need is connected.