Captain Shaw’s CofE School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

The conduct of pupils at this school is exemplary. They demonstrate warmth and kindness towards each other. Pupils enjoy respectful relationships with the adults at school who care deeply for them.

They are proud of their school and they are happy.

Pupils respond well to the high aspirations that the school has for their achievement. As a result, most pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve well.

Pupils are well supported to become confident, resilient and independent young people. The Year 6 excellence award makes a significant contribution to the development of pupils' leadership skills.

The school... provides pupils with access to a wide range of activities that help to develop their talents and interests.

These include ukelele, art and wildlife clubs. As members of the school council, pupils learn about the importance of taking positive action in their local community.

Pupils benefit from a variety of experiences that are linked closely to the school's curriculum.

For example, they visit a nearby beach to learn about the local environment and they set up a restaurant to raise money for charity. Pupils enjoy residential trips where they take part in adventurous activities, such as canoeing and open water swimming.

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

The school has taken the necessary steps to address the areas for improvement from the previous inspection.

In most subjects, the school has thought in detail about the links that exist between the concepts and knowledge that pupils should learn. As a result, most pupils develop a strong understanding of the subjects that they study. They are well prepared for each stage of their education.

This includes children in the early years who are ready for the demands of Year 1.

In a small number of subjects, the school has not identified the most important information that pupils should learn. This means that some pupils do not develop the breadth of understanding in these subjects that they should.

Staff use their subject knowledge effectively to design activities that help most pupils to learn the curriculum well. In the early years, staff make a significant contribution to children's development through high-quality interactions. This helps children to make a strong start to their education.

The school makes regular checks on what pupils know and remember. Staff use this information well to address any gaps or misconceptions that pupils may have about their learning. The school accurately identifies the needs of pupils with SEND.

Staff ensure that these pupils receive the support that they need to learn well alongside their peers.

The school has made reading a priority. Children begin to learn to read as soon as they join the school in the Reception class.

They receive the support that they need to develop their phonics knowledge securely. Pupils read books that are well matched to the sounds that they already know. A small number of pupils at the early stages of developing their spoken language receive the specialist help that they need to improve.

Pupils are well supported to become confident and fluent readers.

Pupils read from a diverse range of books that support their understanding of the world. They recall the main themes from these books which include the importance of being part of a community and the value of friendship.

In lessons, pupils demonstrate a high level of motivation towards their learning. They work exceptionally well together when completing activities as part of a group.

The school provides pupils with rich experiences that support their personal development.

Pupils know how to look after their own physical and mental health. They have an age-appropriate understanding of healthy relationships. Pupils value and respect the differences that exist between people.

They learn about the impact that significant historical figures have had on modern society, such as Martin Luther King.

Parents and carers welcome the information that the school provides about the curriculum and its approach to teaching pupils to read. This helps them to support their children's education at home.

Parents also benefit from regular opportunities to talk to the school about their children's achievements.

The governing body provides appropriate support and challenge to the school. It keeps a sharp focus on the impact of the curriculum on pupils to ensure that they achieve well.

Improvements to the school's use of assessment information have had a positive impact on staff's workload and well-being. Staff are proud to work at the school.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• In a small number of subjects, the school is continuing to refine its thinking about the most important knowledge that pupils should learn. As a result, pupils do not develop the breadth of understanding that they should. In these subjects, the school should identify the key information that pupils should learn so that they are well prepared for each stage of their education.