Thorner's Church of England School, Litton Cheney

Overview

This small, rural Church of England primary school is described as having a “close-knit, family feel” where pupils feel “nurtured and safe.” The report highlights a “clear vision of success” and strong community links, though it notes that the early years provision requires improvement to ensure a seamless transition to later learning.

Strengths

• Pupils demonstrate a “strong moral code” and show “empathy” and inclusivity, with bullying being “rare.”
• The curriculum in phonics and mathematics is designed into “small steps of learning,” enabling staff to accurately check knowledge and close gaps.
• Pupils are “enthusiastic about their learning,” have high attendance, and can recall specific knowledge, such as local history related to World Wars I and II.
• Governors are “accurate in their evaluation of the school” and have successfully managed resourcing issues to strengthen the school’s capacity.

Areas to improve

• The curriculum is not yet “seamless from the early years,” meaning children do not build the “cumulative knowledge” needed for a successful transition to Year 1.
• In some subjects, knowledge is not identified “precisely or fluently enough,” hindering staff’s ability to make accurate checks and plan specific next steps for pupils, including those with SEND.
• Early years staff lack a “secure understanding of the new statutory framework,” resulting in activities that do not sufficiently promote “curiosity, interest or critical thinking.”

Safeguarding

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