Great Orton Primary School

Overview

Great Orton Primary School is a small community school where pupils are described as “proud to be part of this small school family.” The report highlights that the school has “improved significantly since the last inspection,” with leaders introducing a new curriculum that supports effective learning in mixed-age classes. Pupils are “polite, friendly and respectful,” creating a calm environment where they are “keen to learn.”

Strengths

• Pupils demonstrate high standards of behaviour, are “kind and tolerant,” and effectively look after one another to ensure inclusion.
• Teachers possess “good subject knowledge” and use assessment strategies effectively to help pupils “know and remember more.”
• Reading is a priority; staff teach phonics “consistently well,” and most pupils become “fluent and accurate readers.”
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive “effective support” and study the same curriculum as their peers.
• Governors provide “challenge and support for school leaders” and actively consider staff workload and well-being.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should ensure older pupils have access to a “broad range of high-quality texts” to develop their love of reading, as the current selection is limited.
• Leaders should address gaps in learning in subjects where the curriculum is “very new,” ensuring pupils “thoroughly learn the knowledge they need.”

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” with staff receiving regular training and leaders following up on concerns “diligently” and taking “appropriate and swift action.”