Castle Camps Church of England (Controlled) Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils at this small school embrace the school's vision of 'life in all its fullness'. Leaders are determined that all pupils will achieve highly. Pupils display positive attitudes towards all aspects of school life.

They are keen to learn.Castle Camps is a happy and inclusive school that pupils enjoy attending. Pupils feel cared for by kind staff who support them to attend regularly.

Parents and carers speak highly of the way in which staff get to know each child individually.Pupils are kind to each other. Pupils who act as junior play leaders help to make playtimes fun.

They understand what it is to be a good role model. Pupils know and follow the school ru...les. They behave well at all times.

Pupils understand how to keep themselves safe, both online and in the community. They know the importance of eating healthily and what makes a balanced diet.Pupils say they are treated fairly.

They are confident that if they have any concerns there are staff they can speak to. Pupils trust that staff will act on their concerns. Pupils understand it is important to treat everyone fairly.

They talk respectfully about people from different backgrounds and religions.

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

The school is ambitious for all pupils. This includes those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

The school knows how to accurately identify and meet the requirements of these pupils. Appropriate adaptations ensure that pupils meet their potential. Some pupils have individual learning plans.

These help staff and pupils to recognise barriers to learning and how to overcome them. Pupils with SEND complete the same broad curriculum, learning alongside their peers.

Pupils get excited when talking about reading.

The school provides incentives such as bookmarks, which motivate pupils to read often. There is a well-structured phonics programme. It starts the moment children begin school.

The sounds pupils should know and remember week by week are clearly set out. All staff receive training that enables them to teach phonics effectively. Pupils remember the sounds they learn and apply them to new words.

They quickly become confident and fluent readers. Teachers are swift to spot any pupils who may be falling behind with their reading. Staff help these pupils to catch up quickly.

Beyond phonics, pupils continue to develop their reading skills. They read frequently and, over time, develop positive attitudes to reading.Other areas of the curriculum are equally well planned.

For example, the school has designed an ambitious curriculum for mathematics. It sets out the important knowledge pupils will learn as they move through the school. Consequently, pupils develop mathematical knowledge and skills well from Reception to Year 6.

A few subject curriculums are currently being redeveloped. The knowledge the school wants pupils to know at each stage is not yet precisely identified. This means that pupils do not always accumulate knowledge in a logical way.

Where this occurs, assessment is less effective. As a result, some pupils develop gaps in their knowledge.Pupils learn with little disruption.

They show excellent manners that extend outside the classroom to the playground. Everyone plays harmoniously and develops strong friendships. If staff occasionally have to talk to a pupil about their behaviour, they do this in a calm way.

Pupils always respond positively.The well-considered curriculum for pupils' personal development is a strength of the school. Pupils experience a broad range of opportunities that help them develop their character.

They aspire to take on leadership roles such as school council members or house captains. Visits to the Houses of Parliament broaden pupils' understanding of modern Britain and democracy. All pupils know the school values of 'Wisdom, Respect, Love, Courage, Community, Hope'.

Through assemblies, pupils learn how these values can help them in their everyday lives. Pupils showcase their musical talents by performing at concerts for parents.Children in the early years settle into school life successfully.

The curriculum supports children to develop in all areas of their learning. The environment is thoughtfully set out. There are many rich opportunities to stimulate children's curiosity.

The early years is a calm and safe place for children to thrive in. Even at this early stage, children know and follow the classroom routines. They cooperate and help each other.

Governors are committed to the school. They provide leaders with an effective balance of support and challenge. Governors understand and fulfil their statutory duties.

Staff are extremely positive about working at the school. They appreciate leaders' support for their workload and well-being.

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 few subjects, curriculums are being redeveloped. The most important knowledge pupils need to learn has not been precisely identified. Furthermore, assessment of pupils' learning in these subjects is not as established as it is in others.

As a result, some pupils have gaps in their knowledge. The school should identify the precise knowledge it wants pupils to know and remember in all subjects. The school should embed effective assessment strategies across all subjects to check pupils' understanding to inform future learning and to ensure pupils know and remember more in each subject.