Speen CofE VA School

Overview

Speen CofE VA School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. The school is described as a "welcoming community with a nurturing ethos" where pupils are excited to attend and trust staff. Leaders have secured tangible improvements, resulting in high attendance and a curriculum that supports pupils in becoming "responsible, caring and courageous."

Strengths

• Pupils achieve very well, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities who receive "precise and highly effective support."
• Phonics is taught expertly, enabling pupils to learn to read well and as soon as possible, fostering a love of stories from a young age.
• Staff possess strong subject knowledge and check understanding frequently to address misconceptions, modelling new learning precisely.
• An impressive programme develops pupils’ character, with children demonstrating confidence in discussing democracy, law, and fundamental British values.
• Attendance is now very high, allowing pupils to benefit more from the ambitious curriculum and teaching.

Areas to improve

• Occasionally, tasks set for pupils are not designed as precisely as they could be to deepen or retain knowledge, meaning some pupils cannot recall what they have learned as readily as they might otherwise.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.