Crofton Infant School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key Findings

This is a good school. Its overall effectiveness is not outstanding because there are some relative weaknesses in pupils' achievement in writing and in aspects of teaching. It was judged to be good at the time of the last inspection and has continued to secure a good quality education for pupils.

Parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive in their praise for the school. Achievement is good. By the end of Year 2, from slightly below average starting points, all pupils make good progress to reach above average attainment in reading and mathematics.

Their progress is less strong in writing where their attainment is only average. The school's assessment and tracking procedures clearly indicate... good overall progress and rising attainment. No group of pupils underachieves.

Teaching is good. From slightly low starting points on entry to the Early Years Foundation Stage, children quickly catch up with children of a similar age nationally. All teachers have a good understanding of pupils' needs.

Skilful questioning by teachers helps pupils clarify their thinking and builds upon previous learning. On a few occasions, a small number of activities lack the rigour to challenge the more able and teachers' marking is not consistent enough to support pupils' progress. Behaviour is consistently good.

All lessons are characterised by strong and trusting relationships between adults and pupils and all pupils have a good understanding of how to stay safe. They say that bullying is rare. They take good care of each other and are proud of their school and its learning environment.

Leadership and management are good at all levels because the headteacher has built a strong team which shares her ambitions and aspirations for all pupils in the school. The governing body knows the school extremely well and challenges and supports the senior leaders in school. Staff morale is high.

The leadership of teaching is good and performance is managed well.

Information about the school

This is a smaller than the average-sized infant school. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is well below average.

The very large majority of pupils are White British and all pupils speak English. There are no disabled pupils and the proportion of those who have special educational needs is below average. The school holds several awards, including Investors in People.

Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms