Normanton All Saints CofE Infant School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils thrive at this happy school. They embody the school's vision of 'respect, empower, grow'. Pupils are supported to be the best version of themselves.

The school is extremely ambitious for its pupils. Pupils rise to the challenges that the school sets for them. Effective support is provided for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to achieve alongside their peers.

From the early years, children develop a thirst for knowledge that helps them to become confident and inquisitive learners. They are remarkably well prepared for key stage 1. Pupils in key stage 1 are equally well equipped for the transition to junior school.

Pupils'... behaviour is exemplary. They take great pride in treating others as they wish to be treated. Pupils are delighted to be mentioned on 'recognition boards' for their excellent attitudes to school life.

Members of the school council attend 'town hall' meetings to share their ideas. They encourage classes to earn 'badge awards' for their highly tangible contribution to school and to the wider community. For example, pupils take part in local litter-picking activities and record songs for a talking newspaper.

Pupils are keen dining hall helpers, happiness ambassadors and playground buddies. They are proud of the difference that these roles make.

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

This is a school that is never complacent.

Despite its many notable strengths, it continually looks to further improve its already exceptional offer to pupils. No opportunity is lost to improve learning for pupils. The school helps pupils with additional needs to overcome any barriers to learning.

This starts in the early years, where children with SEND are quickly identified.

Much thought has been given to shaping a curriculum that engages and motivates pupils. The school has ensured that there is clarity about the most important knowledge and vocabulary that pupils should learn in each subject.

When required, small refinements to the curriculum are made so that the needs of different cohorts are well met. Most pupils with SEND access the same learning as their peers. Where required, leaders have well-matched individual learning plans in place.

Pupils with SEND benefit from the same excellent curriculum as their peers.

Staff benefit from regular training that helps them to refine their practice, while ensuring that their workload is manageable. As a result, staff have considerable subject expertise.

In the early years, staff seize every opportunity to support children to be immersed in highly purposeful learning. Teachers ensure that pupils have secure foundations in their learning before moving on to more difficult concepts. Pupils gain an impressive depth of knowledge during their time at the school.

They spoke about their learning with confidence and genuine interest.

The school places the highest priority on ensuring that pupils learn to read. From the Nursery Year, staff skilfully extend children's vocabulary.

Children enjoy stories and songs that help them to recognise sounds and rhymes. Pupils who struggle to read are provided with timely support to become confident and fluent readers.

Enticing reading areas, combined with the 'reading café' and the work of pupil reading ambassadors, help to foster pupils' love of reading.

The school ensures that pupils have access to books that help them to explore the rich diversity among people and families. Pupils spoke knowledgably about 'big ideas' from books, such as perseverance. They are taught how to relate their reading to their own lives.

This supports them to be understanding of the experiences of others.

The school's focus on developing pupils into well-rounded young people is noteworthy. Pupils are exceptionally well supported to look after their own well-being.

They are encouraged to use affirmation stations to recognise their inner 'cheerleader'. Pupils are also taught to use journals to reflect on how unique and special they are. Those pupils who sometimes struggle to regulate their own behaviour benefit from sensitive support from staff.

They are helped to manage their emotions.

Pupils are committed to their learning. They stretch their 'learning muscles' when graduating from the school's 'university of life'.

For example, they can choose to learn more about cooking, woodwork or storytelling. Pupils also enjoy growing, harvesting and using crops from the school's garden. These experiences help pupils to develop their confidence and be aspirational for their futures.

The school supports parents to be partners in their children's learning. This includes taking effective action to provide support for pupils and their families with regards to attendance. As a result, attendance rates are improving.

Governors know the school well and are deeply committed to ensuring that pupils receive the highest quality of education. Their expertise supports the school in maintaining its high standards.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.