Christ Church CofE Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils love to attend this school, and rightly so. They receive an excellent start to their education. This is because staff have the highest ambition for every pupil to become 'the very best they can be'.

Pupils leave the school highly equipped for the challenges of secondary education.

Pupils' behaviour is impeccable. Staff expect them to work hard, and pupils do not disappoint.

They listen attentively and are keen to learn. Pupils are passionately opposed to any form of discrimination. They know why it is important to challenge banter and prejudice.

One of the school's many strengths is how it empowers pupils to be effective advocates for themselv...es and others. Pupils fundraise for charities, organise clubs and embody the school's motto, 'always be kind'. Staff show genuine care and compassion towards pupils.

This makes for a harmonious and safe place in which to learn.

The school meticulously plans purposeful experiences far beyond the academic. This helps pupils to develop their character and confidence.

These include organ recitals, literature festivals and inspirational visitors to speak to pupils. The school ensures that disadvantaged pupils never miss out. All of this work contributes to an inclusive and aspirational approach for all.

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

The headteacher is unwavering in her pursuit of excellence. The trust, staff and governors share in the vision and direction of the school. They leave no stone unturned in finding ways to refine the already excellent provision.

The school has cultivated a love of reading. It is the bedrock of the curriculum. Staff have thoughtfully chosen books to build pupils' vocabulary and spark curiosity.

In lessons, pupils eagerly discuss and debate the use of language by authors. Reading ambassadors actively instil a love of reading through their book recommendations. By the end of Year 6, pupils are confident readers and achieve highly.

The early reading curriculum is equally effective. In the early years, well-trained staff focus sharply on developing children's communication and language. They play alongside children, extend their vocabulary and introduce new words at every opportunity.

In key stage 1, pupils secure the phonics knowledge they need to be successful readers. If they fall behind, staff act quickly to give them extra help.

The school has embedded a knowledge-rich curriculum across all subjects.

It defines essential concepts and vocabulary pupils need to learn. Teachers make sure that pupils revisit prior content before they move on to something more challenging. This means that pupils build new learning on firm foundations.

For example, in physical education, pupils apply their movement skills to learn defending techniques in netball.Similarly, in mathematics, pupils confidently use their knowledge of fractions to solve complex problems. Regular checks mean that teachers know when pupils are ready to move on and when they need extra practice.

Over time, pupils build an impressive body of knowledge across various subjects.

The school is ambitious for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), including those in the specialist Communication and Interaction Centre (CIC). The school does all it can to identify and meet pupils' needs early.

Staff are highly trained and knowledgeable. This shows in the way they carefully adapt activities and guide pupils to learn the same curriculum as their peers. Pupils in the CIC integrate seamlessly into mainstream lessons, social times and whole-school events.

This is because there is a strong culture of inclusion. Pupils with SEND achieve exceptionally well from their starting points.

The school has the highest expectations of pupils' behaviour and attendance.

Leaders model the standards they expect from pupils. In turn, pupils strive to meet these standards. They are polite, courteous and considerate to each other, staff and visitors.

Routines for excellent behaviour start early and continue as pupils move up the school. Pupils attend very well.

The school's work to broaden pupils' talents and interests is noteworthy.

For example, pupils try new sports, grow vegetables and perform at many concerts. Pupils' service to the wider community is commendable. By contributing to projects, such as fundraising for toilets in Africa, they make a tangible difference to the lives of others.

Pupils visit a mandir, mosque and synagogue to develop an understanding of cultures and faiths. They talk confidently about how the law protects people with different characteristics. The school ensures that pupils grow into active and responsible youngsters who bring fundamental British values to life.

Parents are typically fulsome in their praise for the school. Many commented on the dedicated staff, family feel and high-quality pastoral care at Christ Church.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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