Glowing Ofsted inspection for infant school in Rugby that no longer 'requires improvement'

The report marks a significant milestone in the school's transformation journey after it was judged as ‘Requires Improvement’ under the old grading system.

Inspectors judged the school to be securely meeting the expected standard across all areas of inspection.

Attendance was identified as an area requiring further improvement.

Leaders have welcomed the clear next steps identified by inspectors,particularly around attendance and further refining classroom practice.

The school has already implemented extensive strategies to improve attendance.

Since becoming Head of School, Charlotte Fawbert, and the wider Bilton Community Federation team, has led a determined programme of school improvement focused on ensuring that every child feels they belong and can succeed.

She said: “We are incredibly proud of this report because it recognises what matters most to us: that children feel safe, valued and known.

"The report reflects the dedication of our staff, the support of our families and the wonderful children who make Bilton Infant School such a special place to learn.”

Inspectors described Bilton Infant School as having a “highly inclusive ethos” and a “relationship-focused approach” which creates a strong sense of belonging for pupils and families.

The report also highlights that pupils feel safe, valued and well supported, and that they are greeted warmly each day by adults who know them well. Inspectors found that strong, trusting relationships help children to feel confident and ready to learn.

School leaders have been keen to emphasise that the report reflects the collective efforts of the entire school community.

They noted that staff morale is high, that staff feel valued and proud to work at the school, and that leaders have successfully brought colleagues together around a shared vision for improvement.

Inspectors found that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities benefit from carefully planned support, personalised approaches and highly effective inclusion practices.

In feedback, inspectors described the school as "highly inclusive" and praised the strong sense of belonging experienced by children and families.

Safeguarding was judged to be fully effective, with inspectors highlighting robust systems, proactive leadership and a culture where keeping children safe is everyone's responsibility.

Feedback from inspectors described safeguarding as a real strength of the school.

Charlotte added: “We know how far the school has come and we are equally excited about where we go next.

"We remain ambitious for every child and will continue working together to build on this success."

The school's personal development programme was recognised as thoughtful, inclusive and ambitious, while pastoral support was identified as a significant strength.

Executive Headteacher Ed Newton said: "This report is a powerful validation of the journey Bilton Infant School has been on.

“Inspectors recognised the caring culture, the strength of our inclusion work, the quality of safeguarding and the commitment of our staff.

“What makes me most proud is that the report captures the genuine sense of community that has been created. Our children, staff, families and governors have worked together through significant change to build a school where every child belongs and can succeed.

“The credit for this achievement belongs to the entire school community.”

Governors also welcomed the report, which recognised governance as a strength of the school.