Greenfield CofE VC Lower School

Overview

Greenfield CofE VC Lower School is judged as ‘Good’ overall, with ‘Outstanding’ behaviour and attitudes. Pupils are described as ‘positive about their experiences’, ‘motivated to learn’, and displaying ‘high levels of respect and empathy’. The school fosters a strong sense of community where pupils ‘mix happily and safely together’.

Strengths

• Pupils’ behaviour is ‘exemplary’, allowing them to ‘fully concentrate on learning’ in ‘calm and well-ordered lessons’.
• The curriculum is ‘well-designed and ambitious’, with phonics taught well so that ‘most pupils are confident and fluent readers by the end of key stage 1’.
• Children in early years ‘make a positive start to school’, following clear routines and being ‘well prepared for Year 1’.
• Staff support is effective, with leaders considering staff well-being and governors fulfilling their statutory duties.

Areas to improve

• Staff need better subject knowledge and support to deliver the updated curriculum fully, as some are ‘not yet fully secure about the depth of knowledge they need to teach’.
• Checks on pupil learning are ‘not used precisely enough to inform pupils’ next steps’, meaning some pupils do not have gaps filled quickly enough or are not extended sufficiently.

Safeguarding

The report states that ‘the arrangements for safeguarding are effective’.