Hindhayes Infant School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Main findings

Hindhayes Infant School provides its pupils with a good education.

Pupils learn in a safe and nurturing environment where the care, guidance and support they receive are outstanding. Excellent transition arrangements mean that pupils settle quickly into school life; they are familiar with staff, who quickly develop a good understanding of each child's needs and abilities. Strong relationships with the local junior school ensure that good information is passed on to support pupils as they move into Key Stage 2.

Pupils know that they can confidently share any worries they may have with the school's learning mentor, who offers good levels of help and reassurance. Parents and carers express how m...uch they value the school community and the friendly and supportive environment it provides for their children. The staff team works well together and shows a strong commitment to continuous improvement.

Pupils' attainment has risen steadily over the past three years so that it is now significantly above the national average in all areas. Attainment is particularly strong in reading and mathematics. Leaders are aware that the school has had less success in raising the progress and attainment of the writing abilities of less-able pupils.

Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage are well supported with a range of experiences, based on their interests, which ensure they make good progress overall. Some activities, however, do not always sufficiently engage all children and on occasion, children are limited in their choice of activity as they are overly directed by staff. The school has developed strong relationships with parents and carers, as demonstrated by the extremely positive responses received to the parents' and carers' questionnaires.

All parents and carers agreed that their child enjoys school and many commented on how well the school has supported their child to settle and to make good progress. The headteacher, staff and governing body have worked hard to improve standards and have made good progress in addressing the key issues from the last inspection. Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage now have access to a stimulating outdoor classroom.

Improvements in teaching and to the curriculum have raised standards and pupils are clear on what they need to do to improve their work even further. Systems for self-evaluation are used to identify accurately the school's strengths and the areas that would benefit from improvement. Suitable plans are implemented effectively to address areas for development and the school demonstrates good capacity to improve further.

Information about the school

Hindhayes Infant School is an average-size school where the number of pupils on roll has increased over the past three years. Most pupils come from White British backgrounds, with a small proportion from a range of minority ethnic groups. A small but increasing proportion of pupils speak English as an additional language.

The proportion of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is similar to that found nationally, although it is below the national average for those with a statement of special educational needs. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is broadly in line with that seen nationally. The school holds the Healthy Schools award, has been accredited to deliver the 'Let's Get Cooking' programme and has been identified as a 'Dyslexia Friendly School' by Somerset County Council.

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