Thurcroft Infant School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. Outstanding care, support and guidance create a harmonious and exceptionally safe atmosphere within the school, allowing all pupils to flourish. Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school and are supportive of its work.

Governors are knowledgeable about the school's strengths and share a commitment for continuous improvement. As a result, outcomes for all pupils are improving strongly. Uniqueness in the approach to teaching has undoubtedly been central to the outstanding improvements seen in pupils' attainment and progress in reading, writing and mathematics.

Although pupils have opportunities to carry out investigation...s, very occasionally these tasks do not provide sufficient challenge for the most-able pupils. Additional adults provide effective and timely support that addresses individual learning needs well. Amongst all staff there is a shared desire and commitment to improve the life chances of all pupils by raising aspirations and developing confident lifelong learners.

High expectations and appropriate support enable disabled pupils, and those who have special educational needs, to make exceptional progress from their starting points. The headteacher is tireless in her commitment to provide the very best learning experience for all pupils in her care, and has nurtured the same commitment from all staff. Outstanding leadership has resulted in improvements to the quality of teaching and pupil achievement, which are now outstanding Checks undertaken by leaders on the quality of teaching and learning within the school are thorough and involve all stakeholders.

This leads to accurate self-evaluation and school-improvement priorities. The school makes strong partnerships with schools and other agencies to enhance its work. The curriculum is lively and engaging and links subjects together within relevant contexts.

It offers many opportunities for pupils to find out new things and to develop basic skills in reading, writing and mathematics. Assessment procedures are thorough and detailed, and are used well to inform planning and to identify pupils in need of extra support. Marking of work is regularly undertaken, but occasionally does not provide pupils with the next steps in their learning.

Pupils work harmoniously together and are respectful of each other, staff and visitors, creating an excellent climate for learning. Pupils for whom additional funding applies make outstanding progress. Any gaps that exist are closing rapidly as a result of leaders' actions.

Information about this school

Thurcroft Infant and Nursery School is smaller than average, but has steadily increased in size over the last three years. The very large majority of pupils is of white British heritage. The percentage of disadvantaged pupils who are supported through pupil premium has increased over three years to be above the national average and accounts for almost half of the pupils in the school.

The pupil premium provides additional funding for disadvantaged pupils and pupils looked after by the local authority. The proportion of pupils who have disabilities or special educational needs has reduced over the last three years to be below the national average. A children's centre operates from the school site.

This provision is subject to separate inspection arrangements and the report is available at www.ofsted.gov.

uk.The school has won a Parent's Charter Award for its work in developing parent and pupil voice. The Early Years Unit comprises a nursery class (Foundation 1) and 3 reception classes (Foundation 2).

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