Our Lady of Grace RC Infant and Nursery School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

At this school, pupils thrive and love attending this warm place to learn. Parents and carers valued that their children are safe and happy at the school.

Pupils flourish academically and in their wider personal development. They are supported exceptionally well by caring staff. Pupils develop a passion for learning.

They are proud of their achievements.

Leader's expectations of pupils are exceptionally high, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school expects all pupils to behave well.

Pupils' behaviour is impeccable. They concentrate fully during lessons. This is because pupils learn in a school where there... is respect for all.

Pupils trust staff to sort out any worries that they have. Leaders deal with rare incidents of bullying swiftly and thoroughly. Pupils build up a deep knowledge across the curriculum.

Children in the early years benefit from a high-quality curriculum. This expertly underpins their later learning.

Leaders plan a wide range of enriching experiences that complement the curriculum.

Pupils enjoy an extensive range of opportunities for visitors, outings, and clubs. Pupils make a valuable and significant contribution to school life. They carry out a wide range of leadership roles.

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

Leaders have designed an ambitious and bespoke curriculum that flows from the Nursery class to Year 2. They are clear about what the pupils need to learn and when. Leaders have thought carefully about how the curriculum builds on pupils' prior learning.

They make sure that pupils build their knowledge and skills deeply across a range of subjects. The governing body and trustees are highly experienced and effective. They use their expertise well to support leaders in their drive for improvement.

They work collaboratively together to ensure that pupils receive the highest possible quality of education.

Teachers demonstrate exceptional subject knowledge and relish the many training opportunities provided. For example, they use assessment strategies effectively, to check when pupils are ready to move on to new learning.

They are passionate about the subjects that they teach. Activities are carefully chosen and adapted when necessary to meet pupils needs. As a result, pupils, including those with SEND, are keen and enthusiastic learners.

Leaders have promoted a positive reading culture that begins in the early years. Staff are experts in enabling pupils to learn new sounds. As a result, children learn to read and write sounds rapidly and accurately.

Staff match the books that pupils read and take home to read to the sounds that they know. Pupils make regular use of the well-stocked school library. This helps them to read widely and for enjoyment.

Leaders identify those pupils who are struggling to keep up with phonics. They put effective support in place. This means that pupils across the school read with fluency.

Pupils behave impeccably in lessons and at social times. They are polite, courteous, and well mannered. They act respectfully towards adults and towards each other.

Right from the start of early years, children concentrate fully on the activities that they are taking part in. They show resilience when they find tasks more difficult. Staff make sure that pupils learn to follow well-established routines.

Leaders monitor pupils' attendance carefully. They have robust systems in place to make sure they respond quickly to any absences. As a result, pupils' attendance to school is high.

Pupils benefit from an exceptional range of extra-curricular experiences. Leaders have designed a comprehensive programme to enhance pupils' wider development and preparation to live in modern day Britain. For example, pupils participate in many leadership roles, including eco representatives, carry out charity fundraising and are school council members.

Pupils are clear about fundamental British values and are encouraged to respect the importance of other religions and lifestyles. Leaders invite visitors, from the local and wider community to broaden pupils' life experiences.

Staff are proud to work at the school.

They appreciate the training and leaders' commitment to their well-being and ensuring a manageable workload.

The school has developed strong relationships with parents and carers to actively support their children's learning at home.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.