Crabtree Infants’ School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

This is a school where all pupils, including children in the early years, can flourish. Pupils know that all adults at the school want the very best for them and their learning. The inclusive, calm and harmonious environment helps pupils to thrive.

The school is aspirational. Pupils develop highly positive attitudes to their learning right from the start. They become curious and confident learners.

Staff make it a priority to know all the pupils and their families well. This helps pupils feel safe and cared for. Pupils talk fondly about 'the hive', a place they can go to talk to adults if they have any worries.

Pupils arrive each day full of smiles and eager ...to start their learning. Staff expect pupils to behave well, and they do. Behaviour is exemplary during lessons, around the school and in the playground.

Pupils know and model the school values at all times. They care and look out for each other. They are confident to take risks and know it is okay to make mistakes.

Pupils are overwhelmingly happy at school.

Pupils, and their parents and carers, would unreservedly recommend this school to others. Everyone is proud to be part of the Crabtree family.

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

The school curriculum is extremely ambitious and meticulously planned. Nothing is left to chance. The school anticipates any barriers to learning and takes steps to overcome these.

In all subjects, the content of the curriculum is planned precisely. Plans set out the key knowledge and vocabulary pupils will learn and when. Staff teach with skill and enthusiasm.

They have expert subject knowledge and impart this clearly. Pupils learn an exceptional range of vocabulary. They use it with confidence to explain their knowledge.

Checks on pupils' learning and understanding are a routine part of every lesson. If needed, lessons are adapted so pupils continuously build on their learning. All pupils gain a strong and secure body of knowledge by the end of Year 2.

Expectations for all pupils are consistently high. This includes for those pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school identifies and meets the needs of these learners swiftly and accurately.

Consequently, these pupils make strong progress across the curriculum. They play a full and active part in school life.

Reading has the highest priority.

The phonics programme is delivered to an exceptionally high standard. Most pupils have secure phonics knowledge by the end of Reception. Pupils in key stage 1 continue to develop their knowledge and read with accuracy and fluency.

Frequent checks identify anyone at risk of falling behind. Support is immediately put in place so pupils can keep up. Reading books are very well matched to the sounds pupils know.

Pupils are keen to show off their wonderful library and classroom reading corners. These are full of high-quality texts, which pupils are excited to read. Pupils are keen to talk about the books their teachers are reading to them.

Children in Reception have an extremely positive start to their education. The environment enables them to develop their confidence and independence. For example, paint is available in child-sized hand-pump dispensers.

This means children do not have to wait for an adult; they can choose their own colours and get on with learning. High-quality language is promoted throughout the environment and modelled by adults. Children learn to express their ideas clearly.

They develop considerable knowledge across all areas of learning. They learn how to manage their own emotions, negotiate and compromise.

Opportunities for pupils to develop their character and self-worth are plentiful.

The school carefully plans a broad range of rich and varied experiences. Pupils proudly take on leadership roles such as eco, school or diversity councillors. They learn about fairness and sustainability.

Pupils recognise difference in the school community. They feel valued and able to express their own identities freely at school, confident they will be accepted. Pupils say, 'It is okay for everyone to be themselves at Crabtree'.

Clubs like yoga, chess and nature crafters help children to develop their interests and talents.

All leaders, including the trust and local governing board, work effectively together. They are united in the school vision and aims.

Leaders care about and value their staff. Training and well-being are priorities to secure a stable workforce and the highest standards of teaching. Staff are highly motivated and take enormous pride in their jobs.

The local governing board knows the school really well. It has the expertise to be able to challenge and support the school to be the best it can be.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Also at this postcode