Ofsted

We are very proud of our latest Inspection Report. Please see the extract below: 

'What does the school do well?

Leaders place a very high priority on reading. Pupils read every day. Older pupils read aloud with good expression. They are avid readers and are familiar with the work of a range of writers. These include Michael Morpurgo, JK Rowling, Roald Dahl and William Shakespeare. Pupils also love poetry. For example, some pupils can recite from memory ‘The Kraken’ by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. There are daily lessons in phonics (letters and the sounds they represent) in the Reception class and across key stage 1. The teaching in these lessons helps pupils to read unfamiliar words with increasing accuracy.

Teachers are trained well so they have a secure knowledge of the subjects they teach. For instance, in mathematics in key stage 1, teachers ensure that pupils can calculate well and remember basic facts about numbers. Similarly, in science, teachers help pupils to know more and remember more over time. For example, pupils can use what they have learned to help them make predictions in a science investigation.

Leaders make sure that the curriculum meets the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The special educational needs coordinator (SENCo)
works closely with parents and carers to ensure that they know exactly what their children are learning and how well they are doing. The SENCo’s work with specialist partners ensures that pupils get the support they need to make strong progress in their learning.
Children in the early years achieve well in all areas of learning. This includes phonics, where children soon learn to identify different sounds and read simple words. In mathematics, children count single-digit numbers accurately. Their understanding of concepts such as ‘larger’ and ‘smaller’ is developing well. Teachers are skilful at helping children to learn what they need to be successful in Year 1.

Children are well behaved. They are confident learners, curious to explore the world around them. Children are happy and safe and form strong bonds with adults. They follow rules closely and become familiar with routines quickly.

The school’s curriculum extends beyond developing pupils academically. For example, teachers help pupils in Years 5 and 6 to understand democracy through their visits to the House of Commons and 10 Downing Street. Pupils know about the different cultures that there are in Britain. However, they are less sure about different families, such as those with same-sex parents. Pupils take on their roles as school council and eco council members enthusiastically. As science ambassadors, they like to help their teachers prepare experiments. Play leaders look after younger pupils. They help them to enjoy taking part in sports and games at
playtimes.
Staff told us that leaders treat them fairly and respectfully and that the headteacher is considerate of their well-being. Staff said that the workload can be challenging. However, they also said that working together and sharing good teaching practice with a local
school eases workload pressures.