From the report:

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils flourish at this warm and caring school. They strive to meet the high aspirations that staff hold for them. Pupils achieve very well. They learn the important skills and knowledge they need. They are confident and articulate in discussing their learning. Pupils are extensively prepared for their next steps.

Pupils’ conduct is excellent. They show high levels of courtesy and respect to all. They love learning and work hard in lessons. Classrooms are purposeful and are alive with the sound of learning. Staff have warm and nurturing relationships with pupils. This helps pupils feel happy and safe in school. One member of staff said, ‘working with these pupils makes the job a pleasure’. The positive atmosphere in the school reflects this. The school has prioritised pupils’ mental health and well-being. All pupils have access to calm spaces or strategies to help them regulate their emotions effectively. Pupils value these and use them appropriately. They know that staff listen to them and work hard to help them. Pupils who require further help can work with the highly skilled pastoral team. They can discuss any concerns they may have. Pupils also have access to a range of therapeutic support to manage their well-being.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school has designed a very ambitious curriculum that meets the needs of all. It clearly identifies the skills and knowledge that pupils need. Pupils build deeply on their prior learning over time. This helps pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), to rapidly improve their skills and understanding from their starting points. Teachers are experts in the subjects they teach. This helps them to explain learning exceptionally well and check pupils’ understanding rigorously. These checks mean that staff quickly identify any gaps in learning. Teachers design high-quality activities that allow pupils to fill these gaps and to catch up swiftly. Pupils love reading. They say it is a ‘golden thread’ which allows them to achieve well in school. Pupils read regularly. This helps them to leave the school as very confident and fluent readers. The school identifies pupils in the early stages of reading accurately. These pupils receive the support they need to catch up quickly. Expert staff teach phonics to the pupils who require additional help. The books that pupils read are carefully selected and matched to the sounds and letters they learn. The school ensures pupils reach their potential. Staff identify the needs of pupils swiftly. This helps them to break down barriers to pupils’ learning. Teachers prioritise those pupils who require additional support through the use of ‘focus tables’. Staff also adapt the learning to meet the needs of pupils. This means that pupils, including those with SEND, learn a deep range of skills and knowledge.

Pupils become highly skilled communicators. They write with purpose in a variety of styles that draw upon knowledge from the range of subjects they learn. Pupils learn the important mathematical concepts they need and apply them skilfully to solve complex problems. Pupils recall their prior learning in detail and draw upon it to answer questions confidently. The school has well-established routines which pupils quickly adopt. This helps to create a culture that values learning. This is evident in the frequent attendance of pupils. The school also responds quickly to support pupils who may require additional help. This work is effective and attendance is improving over time. Pupils’ personal development is at the heart of the school’s excellent work. The school ensures that the curriculum extends far beyond the classroom. Pupils enjoy a range of clubs throughout the school day, which allows them to develop a variety of skills and talents. Well planned trips and visits deepen learning or expand pupils career aspirations. The school works tirelessly in the best interests of pupils. The skilled governors and trustees ensure they offer high levels of challenge and support. Staff are exceptionally proud of working at the school and feel that leaders ensure they are well trained and cared for.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.