Glapthorn Church of England Primary School

Overview

Glapthorn Church of England Primary School is described as a “happy, welcoming place” where pupils are “mature and respectful.” The inspection confirms that the school “continues to be a good school,” with leaders maintaining high expectations for behaviour and achievement. The curriculum is “broad and ambitious,” supported by staff who demonstrate “strong subject knowledge” and a “clear passion” for teaching.

Strengths

• Pupils adhere closely to core values, showing “care and concern for each other” in a “calm, orderly and purposeful atmosphere.”
• The curriculum is well-sequenced, starting in the early years and building through to Year 6, with a “well-sequenced personal, social and emotional development programme.”
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are “well supported” by teachers and teaching assistants who use “appropriate strategies.”
• Staff are “proud to work at this school” and appreciate leaders’ consideration for their “workload and well-being.”
• Children in Reception make a “positive start,” benefiting from a “stimulating learning environment” that prepares them well for key stage 1.

Areas to improve

• Assessment of the curriculum is “not yet fully developed throughout the school,” with inconsistencies in checking how well pupils acquire and remember knowledge.
• Leaders must ensure that areas where children find reading difficult are “known by all staff” so everyone can support pupils effectively.
• Leaders should establish a “clear structure for the assessment of pupils’ knowledge and understanding of the curriculum.”

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with knowledgeable leaders who “liaise well with external agencies” and staff who receive appropriate training.