Corbridge (VA) Church of England First School

Overview

This ungraded inspection confirms that the school has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection,” where it was previously judged good. The report describes a “happy and welcoming place” where pupils “flourish” within a “nurturing ethos” underpinned by strong Christian values. Leaders and staff maintain high expectations for outcomes and wellbeing, resulting in a harmonious atmosphere where pupils behave well and achieve across the curriculum.

Strengths

• The curriculum is “comprehensive and well-sequenced,” clearly setting out essential knowledge, skills, and vocabulary that builds sequentially each year.
• Reading is a “high priority,” with effective early reading approaches ensuring pupils develop a secure understanding of phonics and a love of reading.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are “well-supported,” accessing the curriculum fully and achieving well alongside their peers.
• The school fosters positive citizenship through varied leadership roles, such as ‘Diversity Ambassadors’ and ‘Eco Councillors,’ preparing pupils for life beyond school.
• Governors support the school effectively, maintaining a “strong focus on pupils and staff wellbeing.”

Areas to improve

• The school must improve its approaches to teaching early writing to ensure pupils build “strong transcriptional skills” and secure accuracy in letter formation, sizing, punctuation, and spelling.
• Strategies to embed arithmetic facts in mathematics require strengthening so pupils develop “speedy recall of key multiplication facts” and improve outcomes in the multiplication tables check.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”