Abel Smith School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are extremely proud of their school. They believe in themselves and are aspirational for their futures.

Pupils enthusiastically engage in exciting learning activities that are well designed to develop their knowledge. They work hard to meet their teacher's high expectations. As a result, the writing in their books is exceptionally well crafted and beautifully presented.

Teachers use their expert subject knowledge to teach the well-constructed curriculum. As a result, pupils are highly knowledgeable about the subjects they learn. They can use complex vocabulary to explain their thinking.

This means pupils are articulate and ready for the next stage in e...ducation and their futures.Pupils behave exceptionally well. They know being well behaved helps everybody to learn.

At playtimes, they happily engage in well-organised activities. Pupils know that all staff will help them with problems. They speak highly of all the staff.

Pupils are considerate and respectful to others. This creates a positive school environment.Pupils know they are essential members of the school community.

They take on extra responsibilities with enthusiasm. For example, older pupils help younger pupils during playtimes. This helps maintain the happy, positive and inclusive culture everyone enjoys.

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

The school's curriculum plans are meticulously well structured and logically ordered. They provide teachers with detailed guidance on what to teach and when. Effective staff training means teachers have strong subject knowledge.

They impart this well to pupils. As a result, pupils show a deep understanding of each subject. Staff break down learning into small steps.

This supports pupils to learn new knowledge securely. Teachers skilfully check pupils' understanding and address misconceptions quickly and accurately. This means that pupils do not develop and use errors.

The children in the early years are remarkably well prepared for Year 1. Their work shows that they are working above age-expected standards. This continues to be the case as they proceed through the school.

Pupils achieve exceptionally well across all subjects.The school places a high priority on reading. Children in the early years hear and share a wide variety of stories and rhymes.

This fosters a joy of books and an understanding of the benefits of reading. A carefully crafted phonics programme is in place. Pupils have numerous opportunities to recap and recall previous learning.

This helps them to develop their reading ability well. Pupils read books that match their phonics ability. This gives them the essential practice to read new and unfamiliar words confidently.

Staff step in quickly to support pupils who are struggling to keep up. Consequently, pupils develop into confident, fluent readers.The school provides outstanding support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Staff know the pupils well. They know how best to provide effective support when pupils need it. The school works closely with parents.

This ensures that they know how to meet each pupil's learning needs. Staff support all pupils to achieve their potential regardless of their needs. The staff actively promote the independence of pupils with SEND, for instance providing pupils with word banks relevant to the topic they are studying.

This boosts pupils' self-confidence and competence when completing tasks by themselves.The school prioritises pupils' personal development. It ensures that all pupils have access to many opportunities for character development.

The school includes experiences that interest and meet the needs of disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND. Empowering pupils with leadership opportunities is a prominent feature of the school's ethos. Pupils receive specific training for their roles.

They learn to support others and develop teamwork skills. The school has an effective mental health support system. This ensures quick support for pupils, such as helping Year 6 pupils prepare for their transition to secondary school.

The school is calm and orderly. This makes a positive setting for learning. Teachers set firm rules and guidelines for pupils.

This means that pupils have a clear understanding of how to behave. Staff have high expectations. Their approach to maintaining discipline is unwavering.

As a result, pupils show exceptionally settled behaviour. This begins in the early years when children know the expectations. Their transitions are notable; the children move quickly and sensibly from one activity to the next.

The governors and school leaders work in harmony to ensure that all pupils make significant progress. Governors, leaders and all staff consistently uphold the school's vision and values. This results in a cohesive approach.

Staff receive high-quality training. Staff well-being is a high priority, which staff appreciate.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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