The school, based on Shelford Road and a proud member of the Thinking School Academy Trust, was awarded its ‘Thinking Schools Status’ by the University of Exeter, highlighting the school’s comprehensive and impactful approach to cognitive development.
The work of metacognitive strategies focused on supporting children to become confident in their summarising, questioning, clarifying and predicting techniques. It teaches children to think thoroughly about what they are learning to become their best selves.
The accreditation report commended Meon Infant School for its deeply rooted Thinking Culture, noting that the school’s curriculum policy documents and teaching strategies clearly map out an integrated thinking strategy.
The school’s organisational structure and visual presentation further enhance their thinking culture, ensuring it is a visible and integral part of school life.
The report praised the use of thinking tools within teaching and learning, stating that the school community celebrates creativity and diversity within its approach. It said:
“It is clear that Thinking Skills are embedded within the culture of Meon Infant School. Thinking serves as a ‘golden thread’ throughout the school. The school’s learning and teaching approach is built on evidence-based cognitive principles embracing elements such as cognitive load and memory / schema development.”
“Meon Infant School is a resilient and responsive educational community that celebrates creativity and diversity. It places the individual needs of children at the heart of everything it does. Leadership is excellent at all levels and the Executive Headteacher, Head of School and Drive Team Lead are at the heart of this.
“The school is relentless in its commitment to its core values. The support and influence of the highly successful Trust (TSAT) is contextualised wonderfully. Developments are evidence informed and implemented with purpose and care. Thinking thrives because reflection and aspiration are integral drivers.”
Executive Headteacher Sara Paine, from the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, said:
“We’re thrilled to receive this accreditation. It reflects the hard work and dedication of our whole school community, from the staff who have passionately embraced the Thinking Schools philosophy to the children who consistently engage with and benefit from these tools. By making thinking skills a part of everything we do, we’re giving our children tools they’ll use for life - not just in school but in all their future endeavours.
“It’s wonderful to join other schools across the Thinking Schools Academy Trust on this journey of continuous improvement and cognitive development. We’re incredibly proud of our achievements and excited to see how these skills will empower our children to become lifelong learners, confident thinkers, and resilient problem-solvers.”