Defford and Besford CofE Primary School

Overview

Defford-Cum-Besford C of E School is described as a place that “feels like a family,” where leaders, staff, and parents collaborate closely. The report highlights a “language-rich environment” in the early years and a curriculum that is having a “positive impact on pupils’ learning,” resulting in pupils who are “happy, confident” and proud of their school.

Strengths

• The early years provision is “impressive,” providing children with an “exceptional start to their learning journey” through vibrant, well-resourced areas and nurturing relationships.
• Teachers possess “secure subject knowledge” and explain new learning in a “clear and structured manner,” supported by carefully selected resources that help pupils build knowledge over time.
• Reading is a clear priority; staff are “well trained to teach phonics,” ensuring pupils read with “accuracy and fluency” and receive quick support if they fall behind.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are “fully included” in lessons, with staff keen to support their independence rather than doing the work for them.
• Staff feel “valued and supported” by leaders, creating a culture where they are “fully invested in supporting leaders to improve the school even further.”

Areas to improve

• Subject leaders in developing subjects need support to make checks on curriculum implementation, ensuring pupils learn “the right things, at the right time.”
• Leaders must ensure the curriculum is “sufficiently focused on developing pupils’ knowledge and understanding of different faiths and cultures,” as current knowledge is “limited and at times confused.”

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with leaders ensuring it is “everyone’s business” and the school’s “top priority.”