Silsoe CofE VC Lower School

Overview

Pupils at Silsoe CofE VC Lower School feel included within a “caring ethos” and benefit from “warm and positive relationships.” The school provides a “calm and orderly” environment where pupils are “enthusiastic about their learning” and feel safe. While the curriculum is generally ambitious and well-sequenced, inconsistencies in planning for some subjects and reading resources for older beginners hinder progress for a minority of pupils.

Strengths

• A “strong reading culture” ensures most children learn sounds quickly and read accurately, with effective support for those at risk of falling behind.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are “very much included” and achieve well within the “ambitious curriculum.”
• Children in the early years make a “strong start,” responding positively to routines and preparing well for Year 1.
• Staff are “well trained” to support diverse needs, and governors “confidently challenge and support leaders.”
• Pupils demonstrate respect and tolerance, understanding differences in families and religions.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure all subjects are “planned and sequenced” so pupils build on prior learning, as some areas currently lack precise detail.
• Leaders must ensure all readers, particularly older pupils at early stages, have books “closely matched to their ability.”
• Leaders should review communication with parents to ensure they understand school priorities and how to support their children.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with a “strong safeguarding culture” where adults are diligent and pupils feel safe and know who to approach for help.