Developing the skills and independence of the youngest pupils.
The school’s provision for developing skills and independence of the youngest pupils is a strength. Most pupils make significant progress in a short space of time, particularly those starting school at a lower-than-expected level and as a result, most develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive as they move through the school. Staff provide a welcoming environment that is engaging and develops pupil independence well. Pupils are encouraged to take a lead in their learning and enjoy choosing what they want to do. Staff provide many beneficial learning experiences for pupils to develop literacy, numeracy and physical skills successfully through play. The purposeful use of outdoor areas provides many authentic opportunities for pupils to explore, select materials, solve problems and work collaboratively. For example, pupils use the natural materials they find in forest school to build a hideout. They work collaboratively to select and carry branches into a wooded area, describe what they are doing and listen carefully to each other. A few pupils use mathematical terms to explain if branches are too long or short and if they are too heavy to carry.