Thurnham Glasson Christ Church, Church of England Primary School

Overview

The report states that the school "requires special measures" because it is "failing to provide an acceptable standard of education" and leaders are not demonstrating the capacity to secure necessary improvement. While pupils enjoy a welcoming environment with good attendance and behaviour, their academic progress is severely hindered by a "weak, poorly designed curriculum" and ineffective leadership.

Strengths

• Pupils’ attendance is "typically above the national average" and they "enjoy coming to school."
• Leaders have created a culture where "incidents of discriminatory behaviour are unheard of," fostering a "palpable sense of community spirit."
• Staff provide a "highly effective pastoral offer" with "bespoke, personalised support" that helps pupils feel a "powerful sense of belonging."
• Pupils make a "positive contribution" to the community through charity fundraising and eco-council activities.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure the curriculum is "planned and delivered effectively" and raise teachers' expectations for pupil achievement.
• Leaders must develop "coherent systems to identify the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities" and barriers for disadvantaged pupils.
• Governors must gain "comprehensive, precise oversight" to hold leaders to account for swift improvement.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively managed.