Crown Wood Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are happy and look forward to learning more each day.

They work hard to meet their teachers' high expectations and feel proud of the progress they make. The school's values, such as determination and mutual respect, are clear to see in pupils' attitudes and behaviour.

Pupils talk about the importance of kindness and treating others with respect.

Every pupil signs the school's anti-bullying charter, which is displayed prominently in the dining hall. This symbolises that bullying is not tolerated in the school. When pupils are occasionally unkind to each other, leaders respond quickly and effectively.

Pupils are taught how to resolve issues so t...hat they do not recur.

Parents value the way the school meets each pupil's individual needs. Summing up the views of many, one parent said: 'I feel lucky to be able to send my child here.

The staff genuinely know my child and how to support him to meet his full potential.'

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

Leaders are committed to their vision that every pupil fulfils their potential. They rightly recognise that ensuring all children learn to read is central to this.

Leaders have put together a well-structured phonics programme which starts as soon as children begin school. Pupils enjoy their daily phonics sessions because they see how quickly their reading develops. Those who are struggling receive regular and effective help from highly trained members of staff.

The books that pupils are given to read support their learning because they are matched to the sounds they have learned in class.

Pupils achieve well in a wide range of other subjects. Teachers successfully create lessons that inspire pupils to feel curious.

Leaders have thought carefully about pupils' learning as a journey from the early years through to Year 6. Where this work is strongest, for example in mathematics, pupils can remember what they have learned in depth and detail. However, this is further ahead in some subjects than others.

Leaders have identified the need for more subject-specific training to ensure that the delivery of the curriculum is equally highly effective in the full range of subjects.

All staff have high expectations of pupils' behaviour and apply the school's rules consistently. Pupils respond well to opportunities to correct their behaviour if they do not get it right first time.

Teachers develop strong classroom routines right from the early years so that lessons are focused and purposeful. Pupils recognise the importance of treating others with respect. They are kind and considerate in the corridors and at social times.

Leaders have ensured that there are a range of opportunities for pupils to develop personally as well as academically. The school's 'charter of cultural rights' is based on leaders' belief that every child has an entitlement to a wide range of experiences. These include clubs and activities, visits within the local community, performances, exhibitions, external visitors and cultural trips.

By applying for a variety of leadership roles, pupils can become school councillors or subject ambassadors. They enjoy the responsibility that these roles involve. In particular, they appreciate the opportunities to work with younger pupils.

Leaders ensure that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) get the help they need. Their needs are identified quickly and accurately, starting in the early years. Well-matched support is in place around each child so that they are ready to learn.

Teachers and teaching assistants communicate well so that teaching meets pupils' needs precisely and helps to move their learning on.

Those responsible for governance help to improve the school by providing effective challenge and guidance to leaders. They know the school well and have a sharp understanding of its strengths and priorities.

They ask well-informed questions to determine whether leaders' actions are having the intended impact.

Through the improvements they have made, leaders have secured the full support of parents, teachers and pupils. Teachers appreciate and benefit from the high levels of expertise that leaders bring to the school.

Staff recognise that leaders are considerate of their workload and willing to listen to their concerns. Parents recognise that when leaders make decisions, they think about what is best for all children.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Well-established policies and procedures contribute strongly to safeguarding practices in this school. Staff are trained regularly so that they know how to identify issues early. Pupils feel confident about how to report concerns either in person or using technology.

Leaders' actions to address these concerns are timely and effective. A culture of safeguarding is evident in all areas of the school's work, including the approach to attendance and behaviour. As a result, children feel safe and secure while at school.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• The effectiveness of the curriculum is good in all subjects but with notable strengths in reading, English and mathematics. Leaders should continue with their plans to provide subject-specific training in the full range of subjects to develop teachers' knowledge and expertise. This will help to ensure that pupils know and remember more of the planned curriculum in all subjects.

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