Pinewood Infant and Nursery School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pinewood Infant and Nursery School is a special place to be. Pupils delight in their learning. Parents and carers are fulsome in their praise of everything that the school offers their children.

One parent summed up the views of many when they said: 'I could not wish for anything more.'

Exceptionally strong relationships are the bedrock of this caring school. All staff know precisely how to support and challenge all pupils, including those who need a little more help.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) flourish. This is because their needs are understood with pinpoint accuracy.

Pupils know exactly how to behave.
.../>They are deeply absorbed in their learning and settle down to learning straight away. Pupils are quick to offer each other care and support. For example, they check on how their classmates are feeling if they sit on the friendship bench.

All pupils feel happy, safe and secure.

From the moment they start, children learn how to play their part in looking after the school. The youngest children learn how to help each other and take turns doing jobs.

Pupils in Year 2 organise assemblies in celebration of the 'Pinewood Pinecone' values. Pupils deeply understand these values. They say that the kindness they show each other is one of the best things about the school.

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

Reading is everywhere at Pinewood. Pupils thoroughly enjoy visiting the school's special library bus and taking home the special 'Otter boxes' of books to share with parents. Staff use books skilfully to help pupils discuss and debate ideas and build their knowledge of the world around them.

All pupils concentrate hard in phonics lessons, starting from those in their Reception Year. Staff immediately spot anyone who might need to practise more. They get this help straight away.

All staff have a meticulous knowledge of any gaps that pupils might have. They know just what to do to help pupils consolidate their learning. As a result, pupils attain exceptionally well in phonics.

There is a rich and ambitious curriculum in all subjects. Staff adapt this to make sure that all pupils, including those with SEND, are fully involved in their learning. Expectations of what every pupil will know and be able to do are very high.

Staff work creatively to capture pupils' imaginations. For example, they set up a table for a party to help pupils to understand the idea of 'celebration'. Pupils grasp and deepen their understanding of more abstract concepts.

The school continually checks whether pupils understand what is being taught. Subject leaders use this knowledge to review and refine the curriculum. The curriculum in all subjects is exceptionally well sequenced.

For example, pupils build on what they learned during fieldwork in their local area when they plan a route into Nottingham. Outcomes are strong. Pupils are exceptionally well prepared for the next stage of their learning.

Staff are highly aspirational in the vocabulary that they use. Pupils pick this up readily. They explain with confidence what 'pointillism' is and how they chose materials for their artwork.

Pupils' knowledge of different religions is detailed. They connect symbols of light found in Diwali celebrations and Christian baptism.

The calm atmosphere permeates all aspects of school life.

Breakfast club is a nurturing space, where pupils enjoy playing together. Lunchtimes are pleasant, sociable times. Many children enjoy the games outside.

There are also quieter activities for pupils who benefit from socialising in smaller groups. The needs of everyone are catered for.

The whole school is committed to igniting pupils' interest in the world around them.

There is an exceptionally wide range of clubs, from birdwatching to debating. Leaders make sure that there is something for everyone, checking that all pupils benefit from this offer. There are long-established links with the community, as well as new connections.

Pupils take part in local gardening competitions. Visitors from a broad range of faiths and cultures are welcomed into school. British values ambassadors know that 'individual liberty' means they are free to make their own choices.

As a result, pupils are very well prepared for life in modern Britain.

There are exceptionally high levels of parent satisfaction. Staff work closely with parents from the start of their child's education.

Transition into early years is highly effective. A mixture of support, where needed, and decisive action has secured high levels of punctuality and strong attendance. All staff share a relentless aspiration to continue to make the school the best it can possibly be for the pupils.

Governors and senior leaders make sure that this is not at the expense of staff well-being and workload. Staff deeply value how they work together and the way that leaders trust and respect their professionalism.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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