Finedon Infant School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Finedon Infant School is a caring and happy school. The school values of 'kindness, respect, perseverance, honesty, positivity and courage' underpin all the school does.

Pupils really feel part of the school community. They understand the importance of the school values and that they bring them together under the school's badge of an apple tree. The 'playground squad' members help make playtime a better, friendlier place.

They organise games and encourage pupils to get on well with each other. There is an excited buzz at playtimes.

The school is ambitious for all of its pupils to achieve.

As a consequence, pupils do well, especially those with specia...l educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those who are disadvantaged. It is an inclusive school. Pupils understand the significance of diversity and inclusion.

The school is a calm and organised place. Pupils are well-mannered, respectful and courteous. They frequently hold doors open for adults and wait patiently for others to pass.

Pupils work collaboratively in class. Consequently, pupils enjoy attending this school. As one parent or carer typically stated, 'The atmosphere in the school is welcoming, friendly and a place where my child feels safe.'



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

Learning to read is a priority at this school. Pupils begin to learn to read as soon as they join the Reception Year. There is a systematic approach to the teaching of phonics.

Carefully selected books match the needs of all pupils. The school has recently focused on developing pupils' reading fluency, with some success. Regular checks ensure that pupils receive the support they need should they fall behind with reading.

They quickly catch up. Pupils talk positively about reading. The school liaises closely with parents to enable them to support their child to read at home.

The school ensures that books have prominence. The well-resourced library is frequently used by all pupils. Story time is a pleasurable time.

Pupils say adults bring stories to life when they read to them.

The school's curriculum is ambitious. It clearly sets out the key knowledge that pupils need to know and remember.

As a consequence, teachers have the requisite understanding of the knowledge they need to impart to pupils to be able to teach effectively. Well-constructed learning activities enable pupils to focus and learn. Pupils demonstrate high levels of engagement.

They enjoy their learning. However, in a few foundation subjects, the school has not ensured that there have been consistent opportunities to check how well the curriculum is implemented. As a result, some pupils are not making connections with prior learning and remembering all that they have learned in these subjects.

The learning environment in the early years foundation stage is well organised and purposeful. The curriculum clearly identifies key knowledge. Structured activities provide children with opportunities to embed learning.

Pupils engage well with these activities. The outside environment has been well thought out. It is highly engaging.

Pupils enjoy their time outside and work well together. Adults interact with children effectively. There is a tight focus on developing children's vocabulary and oracy.

This is an inclusive school. Pupils with SEND are well supported. The 'personal provision plans' set out the school's aspirations for each pupil with SEND.

Staff use these effectively to establish appropriate support for these pupils. Staff receive the training they need to support all pupils with SEND. Consequently, pupils with SEND do well.'

Thriving at Finedon' teaches pupils to behave well. The 'Diamond Rules: show good manners at all times, care for everyone and everything, and follow instructions with thought and care' are well known and understood by everyone. Pupils live up to these expectations.

Pupils get on well with each other. They wait their turn and are polite. Relationships between pupils and adults are strong.

Pupils are tolerant and respectful of one another. Bullying is not tolerated, and pupils feel safe.

There are a range of opportunities for pupils to take responsibility.

The school council members select activities to raise money for charity. They take their roles seriously. Pupils enjoy the chance to take part in multisport activities, dodgeball, gym and dance and the art club.

Pupils understand the importance of eating healthily and taking regular exercise. Pupils learn to respect difference. As one pupil stated, 'You should treat people who are different the same way as you do your family.'



Staff feel appreciated. They say that the school is a really positive place in which to work. Governors are sensitive to staff's workload.

Governors and trustees have a clear understanding of their responsibilities. They support and challenge appropriately.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• In a few foundation subjects, the school has not ensured that there have been consistent opportunities to check how well the curriculum is implemented. As a result, some pupils are not making connections with prior learning and remembering all that they have learned in these subjects. The school should ensure that the implementation of the curriculum in all subjects is checked effectively.

Also at this postcode