Tittensor CofE (C) First School

Overview

Pupils are “well cared for” and “happy” at this school, where staff greet them with “smiles and warm greetings.” The report highlights a “broad and balanced curriculum” that is “ambitious for all learners,” supported by leaders who have driven “many positive changes” since the headteacher’s appointment. Parents are “overwhelmingly positive” about the education and care their children receive.

Strengths

• Pupils display “exemplary behaviour” and are “highly motivated,” contributing positively to the local community.
• “Reading is promoted from the start,” with phonics taught “consistently well” and pupils speaking about books “enthusiastically.”
• Staff have “high expectations” for achievement, and pupils “take pride in the presentation of their work.”
• Systems for identifying pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are “effective,” allowing them to work alongside peers.
• Leaders prioritise pupils’ “mental health and well-being,” ensuring all pupils know who to speak to if they have worries.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must identify “specific knowledge and vocabulary” in a small number of subjects so pupils’ knowledge builds on prior learning.
• Assessment in a small number of subjects is not “precise enough,” limiting leaders’ understanding of what pupils know and remember.
• Learning plan targets for pupils with SEND are “too broad” and need to be broken down into “small, achievable steps.”

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with leaders and staff taking their responsibilities seriously and receiving weekly updates on keeping pupils safe.