The Little Gonerby Church of England Primary Academy, Grantham

Overview

The Little Gonerby Church of England Primary Academy is judged as ‘Good’ overall, with ‘Outstanding’ early years provision. Pupils are described as ‘happy, safe and proud of their school’, benefiting from a ‘broad and ambitious curriculum’ that is ‘carefully sequenced’. The school fosters a ‘calm and orderly environment’ where staff build positive relationships and pupils develop a strong love of reading.

Strengths

• The early years provision is ‘Outstanding’, with children making a ‘very strong and secure start’ and being ‘prepared exceptionally well for Year 1’.
• Teachers possess ‘good subject knowledge’ and use questioning effectively to ‘resolve any misconceptions’, ensuring pupils build knowledge over time.
• The school supports pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) ‘well’, using ‘precise and regular checks’ to help them reach their full potential.
• Reading is prioritised, with staff providing regular phonics training and ensuring pupils read books that ‘match the sounds they know’.
• There is a ‘strong sense of togetherness among the staff’, who feel valued and appreciate the ‘high-quality training’ they receive.

Areas to improve

• The school must ensure pupils who are ‘regularly absent’ receive the support needed to attend regularly, so they do not miss out on education.
• Leadership should ensure the ‘impact of the curriculum on pupils’ learning is thoroughly checked’ in all subjects to promptly identify areas for development.

Safeguarding

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