St Michael’s Church of England Controlled Infant School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school.

The expertise and aspirations of the headteacher and leaders at all levels have sustained, and improved upon, high standards in pupils' reading, writing and mathematics since the previous inspection. Skilled governors consistently and effectively challenge and support leaders. This has helped to secure outstanding teaching and achievement.

Pupils of all abilities and from different backgrounds make excellent progress from their various starting points. A high number of the most-able pupils reach levels of attainment in reading, writing and mathematics that are beyond those expected nationally by the end of Year 2. Disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs make excellent progress because of outstanding leadership in this area of the school's work.

Extra funding is exceptionally well used to support disadvantaged pupils, resulting in attainment that is as high as other pupils in the school and above other pupils nationally at the end of Year 2. Provision for the early years is excellent. All staff work very effectively together.

They ensure that children make a confident start, enjoy school and maintain outstanding progress. As a result, children are more than ready for the challenges of Year 1. Behaviour and safety are outstanding.

Extremely rigorous and consistently applied procedures ensure that pupils are very safe, secure and well cared for. This view is fully supported by parents. Teachers have high expectations of both work and behaviour.

Teaching is exciting and challenging, developing in pupils a real eagerness to learn. This is reflected in pupils' exemplary behaviour and above average attendance. There has been significant improvement in the provision for pupils' cultural development since the previous inspection.

Appropriate to their young age, pupils now demonstrate a very good understanding of different cultures and the importance of British values and democracy. Inspectors found relationships within the school to be very strong. All adults set an excellent example for pupils to follow.

The school is an exceptionally happy and inspiring place in which to learn. Parents echoed this view and shared their very positive views with inspectors and their high level of satisfaction with the school. Pupils are well prepared for their move to the junior school.

The school's website meets statutory requirements but would benefit from more detailed information for parents about the teaching of basic skills.

Information about this school

St Michael's Infant School is larger than the average-sized infant school. Most pupils attend from the local area.

All children in the early years attend the Reception classes on a full-time basis. All pupils are taught in single-age classes. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs is below average.

The proportion of disadvantaged pupils supported by the pupil premium is below that found in most schools. This is additional government funding provided to give extra support to those pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and to children who are looked after by the local authority. The number of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds is above average.

A few of these pupils are at the early stages of learning English. The school organises a breakfast club. An after-school club is available, but it is privately run and was not a part of this inspection.

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