All Saints’ Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School, Lawshall

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils thrive at this nurturing and caring school in the heart of the community. They participate in the local 'Seed to Tree' project, which reflects their progress and growth during their time at the school. The school takes a highly personalised approach to every pupil's learning.

This helps pupils to achieve very well.

Pupils are extremely polite and confident. They develop their confidence through well-thought-through projects and experiences.

For example, in Year 6, pupils participate in a Shakespeare production with other schools and the local theatre.

There are mutually respectful relationships among pupils and staff. Pupils talk with confiden...ce about respect and tolerance at an age-appropriate level.

They show these important values in the way they treat each other, regardless of any differences between them.

Pupils' development beyond the classroom is prioritised. The 'well-being pupil action group' has thought about how it can support other pupils.

It has designed a well-being garden for pupils to access in the playground. Pupils enjoy exploring philosophical issues through discussions held about 'life's big questions', such as 'why are we different?' This also helps them to understand that everyone has different views.

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

Pupils learn exceptionally well.

The school's well-planned curriculum is broad and highly ambitious. The essential knowledge that the school wants pupils to know is precisely organised. This starts in the early years and flows seamlessly into key stage 1.

Staff are very knowledgeable. They frequently review what pupils have learned previously. They check pupils' understanding carefully and plan lessons to build on this.

This helps pupils to recall and use their knowledge. Fun, engaging and memorable activities motivate pupils to do their very best and apply their learning. In Reception, for example, children find out the conditions needed for an ice cube to melt quickly.

This helps them to make well-reasoned predictions about what they think will happen and why.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive personalised support. Staff identify and monitor pupils' needs carefully, working with external agencies where appropriate.

Staff adapt work appropriately for pupils. This enables pupils with SEND to make strong progress.

The school prioritises reading.

Its vision is for every pupil to be reading confidently and fluently by the time they leave. The learning of phonics begins in Reception. Well-trained staff deliver phonics sessions expertly.

They carefully check that pupils are progressing well. If pupils need support, then this is swiftly put in place. Parents can continue this at home using the resources that the school provides.

All of this ensures that pupils' phonics knowledge is very secure. Pupils achieve highly in reading by the end of Year 6.

A wide range of book-based activities inspire pupils to read widely and often.

These include focusing on a particular author each week, annual World Book Day activities and reading cafés for families. The school also celebrates the Icelandic tradition of Jolabokaflod, where books are donated from families and redistributed to read on Christmas Eve. Pupils love reading.

Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. Pupils throughout the school listen attentively to their teachers and their peers. They contribute sensible and carefully considered ideas to discussions with other pupils.

Pupils who need a more personalised approach to their behaviour management have a carefully tailored plan that staff consistently follow. This helps pupils make the right behaviour choices.

The comprehensive personal, social and health education curriculum is well thought through.

Pupils have a range of opportunities to learn the importance of looking after their physical and mental health. This includes a health and fitness week; learning new sports like golf, skateboarding and rock climbing; and having a healthy picnic. This also helps pupils to build their confidence and to believe in themselves.

The school considers pupils' transition into different stages of education, as well as their future beyond school. As part of this, pupils learn about different careers, including fire fighters and ceramic artists, through presentations in assemblies.

All leaders know and understand their roles and responsibilities.

Governors and leaders complete detailed analysis of a variety of information about the school. This enables the school to ensure it is delivering the very best for every pupil. Staff have bespoke professional development.

They are highly positive about working in the school, and they feel valued and well looked after. Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the education, opportunities and care that their children receive.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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