The North Cotes Church of England Primary School

Overview

The inspection confirms that The North Cotes Church of England Primary School continues to be a good school. It is described as a ‘little gem’ where relationships are ‘warm and trusting’, and pupils feel safe in this ‘small, inclusive school’. The environment is calm and orderly, with high expectations that pupils respond to well.

Strengths

• Pupils enjoy coming to school, describing it as a ‘happy and kind place to be’ where they are ‘well cared for’.
• Leadership is ‘strong and stable’, with staff displaying positive morale and a strong ‘team spirit’.
• The curriculum is ‘ambitious, broad and inclusive’, starting in the early years and building towards Year 6.
• There is ‘effective oversight’ of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), with their needs well understood.
• Pupils enjoy reading, benefiting from a ‘reading spine’ and a wide range of texts reflecting social diversity.

Areas to improve

• Teachers must ensure learning activities are appropriately matched to pupils’ current knowledge, moving them on to more challenging work when ready.
• The school should ensure teachers know how to help pupils build and develop their knowledge so all can achieve as well as they can.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.