Shatterlocks Infant and Nursery School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school The chief executive officer of the Dover Federation for the Arts Multi-Academy Trust (DFAMAT) and the head of school are steadfast in their united vision to ensure that high standards are maintained across all aspects of school life. Trustees of DFAMAT demonstrate a commitment to providing the best possible school experience for all pupils. They provide well-considered support and challenge to school leaders.

Members of the recently restructured academy board have a sound understanding of the school. However, further work is needed to develop their new roles. Teachers plan highly engaging and effective lessons.

Teaching is very st...rong and teachers are committed to constantly improving their practice. The school is a happy place. Pupils are motivated and excited to come to school.

They are exceptionally keen learners and rise to the high expectations set for them. Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness is developed thoughtfully. Pupils show great kindness to each other and utmost respect to adults.

Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school. They say their children are happy, safe and flourishing. Children get off to a very strong start in early years because of the outstanding provision.

Staff form excellent relationships with parents and children settle quickly into the school's routines and expectations. The curriculum is inspiring and interesting. Leaders have carefully considered its relevance to the pupils at Shatterlocks Infant School.

Leaders recognise that further refining the development of pupils' skills, knowledge and understanding in subjects such as humanities and art would boost their progress still further. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and the high number of disadvantaged pupils make strong progress because aspirations for these groups of pupils are high and they are supported well. In 2018, pupils achieved above-average outcomes at the end of key stage 1 in reading, writing and mathematics at the expected standard and at greater depth.

Current pupils are making strong progress in these subjects and high standards are securely maintained. Safeguarding is effective. Leaders and staff know pupils and their families well and are highly alert to their needs.

Leaders' commendable work ensures that pupils and families receive appropriate care and support.

Information about this school

The school converted to become an academy in June 2012. It is a member of DFAMAT.

The school is overseen by members of the academy board. The academy board has very recently joined with the academy board of Barton Junior School, a nearby school that is also part of DFAMAT. There is now one academy board overseeing the two schools.

At the time of the inspection the new academy board had yet to meet. Trustees and members of the academy board work together to set the strategic direction of the school. On a day-to-day basis, the role of the headteacher is fulfilled by the head of school.

The chief executive officer of DFAMAT provides support to senior leaders. The proportion of pupils who are eligible for pupil premium funding is significantly above the national average for primary schools. Most pupils are White British.

The proportion of pupils with SEND is broadly average. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is below the national average. The school has a nursery.

Most children who attend the nursery join the school in Reception Year. The school is in one of the most deprived areas nationally. The school runs a breakfast and after-school club.