Captain Webb Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are cared for, kept safe and taught well at this school.

This is because the headteacher and her team do a good job. Planning and teaching in different subjects is usually pitched just right, and pupils of all abilities are able to feel success. Academic standards have risen and pupils are ready for secondary school by the time they leave.

Staff, pupils and parents all say expectations are high and that the school has improved. We agree. Behaviour is managed very well so the school day runs smoothly.

Any upsets are sorted out quickly. Pupils learn how to spot bullying and know that adults will always help them with any problems.

Lots of intere...sting things happen at Captain Webb Primary.

Every term, pupils go out on visits to different places and older pupils can even visit France. In school, there are lots of clubs, plenty of sports and many opportunities for pupils to have a say in how things are done.

The school's good communication with parents has recently been recognised by a national award.

Indeed, the school leadership has done much to make sure all in the school community feel valued, involved and able to do their best.

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

Captain Webb Primary is now a good school that is still improving because of strong leadership. The headteacher's calm, determined and supportive authority has got the school back on track and is driving it forwards.

This ambitious leadership brings out the best in others. Staff benefit from good-quality training that helps them to grow as leaders and improve their teaching. Team spirit is strong.

Throughout the school, there is a consistent approach to curriculum planning and classroom practice. In all subjects, staff have thought carefully about what to teach when and keep a close eye on how pupils are doing. In mathematics, for example, new work builds logically on earlier work but also allows time for pupils to practise what they already know.

This helps them to remember things, although there is still more work to do to improve pupils' speed with mathematical facts like their times tables.

The teaching of reading is done very well. Staff are trained in how to teach phonics and daily routines and systems make sure everyone gets what they need.

Whether reading in class or at home, staff check that pupils have books they understand. If any pupil needs a helping hand, adults find extra time straight away and this stops them from falling behind. As pupils' confidence grows, teachers introduce them to new books and authors.

Most days, teachers read to the class during 'page-turner time'. They encourage pupils to talk about books and share their views.

Pupils are able to share their views in other ways too.

Through the school council, pupils can influence school life. For instance, they are currently working with canteen staff to plan a new lunch menu.

The school's personal, social and health education (PSHE) programme prompts pupils to think and talk about a wide range of topical and moral matters.

It also teaches them to consider others and be helpful. Pupils respond very well to this. They listen to their teachers and usually behave well.

They are thoughtful, friendly and respect one another.

The well-organised approach to curriculum design can also be seen in other subjects such as history, geography, music, art and physical education. Well-thought-through plans set out the progression of knowledge and skills to be taught.

However, these are new so are not as firmly established as they are in English and mathematics. Similarly, leadership in these subjects is also developing, but is clearly heading in the right direction. Having said this, the school's commitment to enriching learning in different subjects by taking pupils out and about is a very well-developed feature.

In fact, this is an integral part of the school's approach to learning. Teachers regularly use visits to exciting places as a springboard for work back in class. During their time at school, all pupils can take part in a huge range of trips to places near and far.

In addition, there are lots of clubs and sports for pupils to try.

The Nursery and Reception classes are well set up to support children's early language, social and emotional development. Children thrive under the care of well-qualified adults who make sure they feel safe and secure when they first start school.

Many creative activities feed children's imaginations and growing interest in the world.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are included in all the school does. The leadership of this aspect has improved since the last inspection.

Looking ahead, there is scope to strengthen the quality of classroom support so that pupils with SEND can make the most of lessons.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff and governors know what to do if they have any concerns.

Regular training and staff briefings keep everyone up to date with routines and requirements. Information about pupils with medical conditions is shared in the right way, and medicine is stored in the right place. Records and registers are kept correctly and if a pupil does not turn up in the morning, staff check where they are.

All the proper checks on staff and visitors are completed as they should be. Access in and out of the building is controlled and the site is well maintained and secure. If anyone has a worry, they can write it down and put it in a worry box or talk to an adult in school.

Pupils say that they feel cared for and safe at school.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

Currently, classroom support for pupils with SEND varies from class to class. This means these pupils do not do as well as they could.

In order to ensure greater consistency and quality, leaders should review how extra support is organised so that learning is improved. . Pupils' attainment in mathematics has risen but their fluency at recalling mathematical knowledge could be better.

Currently, slow recall makes it harder for them to do their work quickly. This holds them back from pressing on with new learning. In order to improve this, leaders should make sure teaching continues to focus on improving pupils' mathematical fluency.

. The leadership and curriculum planning of foundation subjects are well organised, but not as firmly established as they are in English and mathematics. Leaders should continue to provide training and guidance to support these subject leaders as they grow in their roles and establish the new planning.