OFSTED
The school's latest OFSTED inspection took place in November 2024. This was a graded inspection and the school's overall grade is GOOD
Here are some comments taken from the report:
What is it like to attend this school?
Staff greet pupils warmly when they arrive at school each morning. Pupils enjoy learning in a supportive and nurturing atmosphere where they are cared for and feel safe. They trust adults to help them if they have any worries. Pupils behave well in lessons and when moving around the school. They understand the school’s values and work hard to live up to them. Most pupils work hard and take pride in their work. They work cooperatively to solve problems and encourage each other to do well. Pupils enjoy exploring challenging ideas. For example, older pupils suggested possible reasons for the end of the Mayan Empire.
Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), benefit from the recent improvements made to the curriculum. The school is ambitious for its pupils. It has high expectations of what pupils can and should achieve. Pupils learn to be fluent and confident readers and mathematicians and have a keen interest in the subjects that they learn. Pupils make a positive difference to the school through the responsibilities that they hold. For example, ‘happy minds champions’ raise money to buy equipment for pupils to use at breaktimes. Pupils enjoy the wide range of clubs on offer at the school, including sports, science and performing arts.
What the school does well
The school has designed a broad and ambitious curriculum that takes account of its community. It has carefully considered what pupils, including those with SEND, should learn and when this should be taught. Reading is prioritised by the school. From the early years, children develop a secure knowledge of letters and the sounds that they make. Teachers ensure that pupils build on their positive start in the Reception Year as they move on to key stage 1 and beyond. If any pupils fall behind in reading, they are provided with effective support so that they catch up quickly. Pupils learn to read fluently and accurately.
Across the school, pupils access a broad range of books. They have a love for reading and are eager to recommend books for others to read.
Pupils enjoy the subjects that they learn. In many subjects, staff ensure that important knowledge is revisited frequently in lessons. This helps pupils to
remember more of what they are taught. They talk confidently about what they have learned.
The school ensures that the additional needs of pupils with SEND are identified quickly. It works closely with parents and carers and outside agencies to provide pupils with the help that they need. The support provided to pupils with SEND enables them to access the same curriculum as their peers.
Pupils’ positive behaviour contributes to the calm atmosphere in the school. Pupils are welcoming and polite. Staff provide a supportive environment for pupils to learn and play. Pupils make positive contributions to the life of the school. For example, librarians
keep the outside ‘Story Shack’ organised so that pupils can read books at breaktimes. Pupils are taught how to stay physically and mentally healthy. They understand the risks that they may face when working or playing online. Pupils learn about the importance of tolerance and respect. Pupils are clear that everyone is made to feel welcome in their school regardless of differences.
Governors have a passion for the school. They provide challenge about financialdecisions and check that the school’s values are embedded in its work.