Queen Mary Avenue Infant School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The relatively new senior leadership team has taken swift, effective action to improve the quality of education. Leaders have high expectations of what pupils can achieve. Governors have a good knowledge of the school.

This equips them well to provide leaders with effective challenge and support. Leaders have introduced new teaching strategies which are being consistently applied. These are having a positive impact on pupils' progress and attainment.

Leaders have introduced a new tracking system which is enabling them to check on the progress that pupils are making. They use this information well to identify pupils that need additional su...pport. The curriculum is broad and balanced.

It provides pupils with a wide range of engaging activities and experiences that promote a love of learning. Staff value the opportunities they have for professional development and are continually searching for ways to further improve their practice. Teachers and teaching assistants give clear explanations and use questioning well to extend pupils' learning.

All staff are diligent in their approach to safeguarding. As a result, the culture of safeguarding is strong. Vulnerable pupils are well supported, especially by the pastoral team.

A range of effective strategies are used with individuals and groups to meet their social and emotional needs. Pupils are well behaved. They are respectful, polite and friendly.

Recent improvements in early years have resulted in current children making good progress from typically low starting points. The work of current pupils in key stage 1 shows that they are making at least good progress, especially in reading, writing and mathematics. However, historical data shows that pupils, over time, have not reached age-related expectations in early years, in the phonics screening check at the end of Year 1, or in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of Year 2.

The school is using many strategies that are having a positive impact on attendance and punctuality. However, absence and persistent absence remain higher than the national average for the last academic year.

Information about this school

The school is larger than the average-sized infant school.

The proportion of pupils supported by the pupil premium is higher than that found nationally. Most pupils are of White British heritage. The school runs a breakfast club for pupils each morning.

The proportion of pupils with SEND is slightly below average. There have been numerous changes in staffing since the previous inspection. The new headteacher took up her post on a part-time basis in September 2018 and became full time in January 2019.

A new senior leadership team was established in January 2019. The school has had formal support from Humberston Church of England Primary School, a designated national support school. This support was brokered through the local authority.