Recreation Road Infant School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. High standards have been sustained since the last inspection. Pupils' attainment has remained significantly above the national average in reading, writing and mathematics for the past six years.

The headteacher and deputy headteacher, well supported by governors, have developed a highly professional school community in which all staff have high expectations and relentlessly pursue the school's vision for pupils' learning. The leadership team has been restructured and new year group leaders, who are outstanding examples for their colleagues, have been effectively mentored to take up their roles. Well planned training ensures that staff at ...all levels develop and improve their practice.

Leaders use research and evidence from other outstanding practice continually to question and shape the work of the school. The curriculum encourages pupils to become independent, inquisitive learners and many make outstanding progress. Significantly more pupils than nationally reach higher levels of attainment in reading, writing and mathematics over time.

Standards of literacy are particularly high. Pupils learn to love reading and use drama as inspiration in their talk and their writing. Teachers show great respect for their pupils; relationships in classrooms are fun, warm and trusting.

Teachers continually assess learning. As a result, the level of challenge, nurture or support is adapted frequently. All groups of pupils, including disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs, succeed very well.

Pupils' behaviour is outstanding; they work and play together harmoniously and develop independent, resilient, questioning approaches to their learning. Procedures for keeping pupils safe are good. Pupils' knowledge of how to keep themselves safe is exceptional and this is endorsed by parents.

Staff are well trained in child protection procedures. Outstanding provision for spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is evident in all aspects of the school's work; especially in the 'values' pupils are taught to enable them to become inquisitive, independent learners. Children in the early years are very well supported to settle quickly into school routines.

The teaching of key literacy and numeracy skills is strong. Children learn to use these independently in a wide range of stimulating and exciting activities.

Information about this school

Recreation Road is an infant school which is larger in size than the average primary school.

Most pupils are of White British heritage. The proportion of disabled pupils or those with special educational needs supported by the school at school action and at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is average. The proportion of pupils for whom the pupil premium (in the school's case, additional funding to support pupils eligible for free school meals) is below average.

Provision for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage is full-time. A small number of pupils attend part-time during the first half term of the Reception year while they settle into school. The headteacher leads the school for four days a week sharing the role with the deputy who takes the headship role for one day.

Senior leadership roles have been changed to incorporate year group leadership from September 2014. Governors have matched their roles to this change and are now allocated to work with year groups. The school holds the budget for the local cluster collaborative work and plays a strong leadership role in its joint professional development.

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