The James Cambell Primary School

Overview

The report states that leaders have taken “decisive and effective action” since the previous inspection, resulting in a school rated as “Good” across all categories. Pupils are described as “typically attentive and calm,” with academic outcomes at the end of Year 6 “in line with national averages.” The school fosters a positive environment where pupils are “happy and feel safe,” demonstrating respect for one another and engagement in diverse activities.

Strengths

• The curriculum is “well-thought-through” and builds knowledge in a “logical order” to prepare pupils for their next stage of learning.
• Early reading provision is strong, with staff who are “well trained” and pupils who become “confident and fluent readers” through regular practice and checks.
• Behaviour is high-quality, with learning proceeding “uninterrupted” and pupils taught strategies to manage their feelings by trusted adults.
• Attendance is monitored “robustly,” with leaders responding swiftly to drops and working with parents to ensure pupils attend “regularly and promptly.”
• Pupils develop confidence and oracy through opportunities such as weekly debates and taking on responsibilities like being “anti-bullying ambassadors.”

Areas to improve

• Leaders should ensure curriculum thinking and communication strategies “specifically identify what all pupils with SEND need to know and be able to do,” as adaptations are not always clearly defined.
• The school must ensure all teaching delivers core content as intended and that understanding is checked routinely to “identify and address any gaps or misconceptions” in all subjects.

Safeguarding

The report confirms that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”