Erpingham Voluntary Controlled Church of England Primary School

Overview

The report states that the school "requires special measures" because it is "failing to provide an acceptable standard of education" and leaders are "not demonstrating the capacity to secure the necessary improvement." While pupils generally behave well and feel safe, significant weaknesses in curriculum delivery, teaching quality, and leadership oversight have resulted in pupils having "too many gaps in their knowledge" and poor academic outcomes.

Strengths

• Pupils "typically attend the school well" and "behave well in school," with bullying being rare.
• Staff maintain "high expectations" and follow the behaviour policy consistently, helping pupils feel "safe and ready to learn."
• The early years environment is "safe and nurturing," with children building "positive relationships with adults."
• Leaders provide "early morning pastoral support" and act quickly to address attendance concerns.
• Pupils enjoy wider opportunities, such as outdoor learning and educational trips, which promote their character and wellbeing.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure the early years curriculum is "coherently planned and taught" so children build knowledge securely.
• Staff need better subject knowledge and assessment skills to teach the curriculum consistently and address "gaps in pupils' knowledge."
• Leaders and governors must strengthen strategic oversight, including reviewing "flexi-schooling" arrangements to ensure pupils access full-time education.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.