New Silksworth Academy Infant

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher's determination and passion have secured a good quality of education for pupils.

She is ably supported by capable and ambitious leaders who know what still needs to be done. The academy trust works closely with leaders and provides good support. Training and professional development have helped leaders and teachers to develop their expertise.

Progress of pupils, including those who are disadvantaged and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), is good. Pupils want to do their best and take pride in their work. Pupils behave well both in the classroom and on the playground.

They feel safe an...d secure, confident that staff will deal with any difficulties which arise. Bullying is exceptionally rare and dealt with promptly. Good teaching is characterised by effective questioning and clear explanations based on thorough subject knowledge in reading, writing and mathematics.

The curriculum supports pupils to understand the school's values very well. It contributes effectively to pupils' social, moral, cultural and spiritual development. Physical education (PE) and sporting opportunities are varied and popular.

Good partnerships with parents and carers are valued. Parents appreciate the increasing opportunities they have to participate in school life and aid their children's education. Governors' good knowledge of the school and community ensures that they provide suitable support and challenge.

However, they do not check the impact of the school's actions to meet its equalities duty. Children settle quickly and progress well in the early years. Good teaching ensures that increasing proportions reach and exceed expectations for their age.

Occasionally, children's independence and creativity are limited. At times, pupils are not consistently challenged or stretched to reach their capabilities. A few older pupils still struggle to read.

They do not read frequently enough to help them to catch up. Teachers' planning in science, history and geography does not consistently build on what has already been taught. Pupils therefore have some gaps in their understanding.

Some subject leaders are still developing their expertise, so their evaluation of the curriculum is not incisive enough.

Information about this school

The school is part of the Extol Academy Trust and became an academy in September 2016. It shares the same headteacher as New Silksworth Academy Junior.

A number of staff have leadership responsibilities, including subject leadership, that are carried across both schools. The school is smaller than the average-sized school. The vast majority of pupils are of White British heritage.

The school has a larger proportion of disadvantaged pupils than is found nationally. The proportion of pupils identified with SEND is slightly lower than the national average. The school offers part-time places for two-year-olds.

Places in the Nursery class are either part time or full time. Children in the Reception classes attend full time. The school runs before- and after-school clubs.

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