Christ Church Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are happy at this caring school. Leaders and staff know their pupils very well.

Pupils are at the heart of everything leaders do. Leaders are ambitious for all pupils.

Staff ensure that the curriculum provides a range of rich experiences.

This reflects leaders' commitment to enabling all pupils to take part in a wide range of visits and activities. Pupils enjoy outdoor learning and outings to museums. Most pupils learn the knowledge and skills that they should in their different subjects.

Leaders ensure that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), do well.

Behaviour in lessons and around ...the school is good. Pupils are safe.

They know that staff will always listen to their concerns and take prompt action. Pupils are polite and respectful towards each other. On the rare occasion when bullying occurs, it is dealt with swiftly.

Leaders have ensured that there is a strong and harmonious partnership with parents and carers. Parents are full of praise for this nurturing school. Typical comments from parents included 'The school feels like a big family and is full of love and encouragement.'



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

Leaders have developed a broad curriculum that supports pupils' educational and personal achievements. The early years programme addresses all the required areas of learning and development well. Senior leaders see the curriculum as being central to their ambition to inspire pupils.

Pupils, including those with SEND and those who speak English as an additional language, receive excellent attention to identify their needs. Leaders ensure that pupils receive the help they need. This may include working with external agencies to provide the necessary support.

Leaders sequence the curriculum well. They make sure it provides opportunities for pupils to revisit prior knowledge. Teaching encourages pupils to think and discuss their learning.

Pupils receive work that helps them accomplish the ambitious aims of the curriculum, including in mathematics and English. Pupils build up their knowledge securely in other subjects.

Leaders in the early years use assessment well.

Teachers keep parents up to date with their child's learning and development. By the end of Reception, children are well prepared for the move to Year 1. Further up the school, occasionally, teachers do not check enough what pupils know and understand.

In a few subjects, this means that pupils develop gaps in their knowledge.

Leaders have introduced a new reading programme. Pupils enjoy reading.

They learn phonics right from the beginning of Reception, where children start recognising letter sounds and reading words. Leaders have invested in books which interest and enthuse pupils. Leaders have ensured that staff have expert knowledge for teaching reading.

Where a pupil may be at risk of falling behind the others in building reading fluency, they receive the help they need to keep up.

Most pupils are positive about their learning. In Years 1 to 6, low-level disruption in class occasionally disrupts delivery of the curriculum.

Leaders promote personal development well, including in the early years. Pupils are taught about different cultures and faiths. They are encouraged to understand the difference between right and wrong.

Pupils aspire to be active citizens. Older pupils support younger ones, including with their reading and by looking after them during playtimes. Pupils revel in taking on leadership roles as house captains or school council representatives.

Pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain.

Staff appreciate the efforts leaders make to ensure that their workloads are managed. Parents speak highly of leaders' clear communication and the many ways that they can get involved with the life of the school.

This helps them to understand the school's curriculum and to support their children's learning at home.

The governing body has devised a suitable strategic plan to support the school. They hold leaders to account effectively for all aspects of school improvement.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Leaders have established a school where everyone takes safeguarding seriously. They provide staff with regular training and reminders on safeguarding issues.

Staff keep a watchful eye on pupils who might be at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation and report any possible issues. Leaders make sure that any concerns over pupils' welfare are pursued thoroughly. They keep detailed records of their actions.

Leaders work closely with parents and outside agencies to secure help for vulnerable pupils.

Pupils are guided to keep themselves safe, including when online. Staff always encourage pupils to talk about any worries they may have.

Pupils have a strong awareness of the potential dangers, both inside and outside of school.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• In Years 1 to 6, sometimes teachers do not check what pupils know and remember and identify gaps in pupils' knowledge. In some subjects, it is difficult for pupils to learn new concepts, where previous learning is not in their long-term memory.

Leaders need to ensure that teachers check what their pupils know and remember and use the information to ensure that any gaps are addressed before moving on to new subject matter. ? Occasionally in Years 1 to 6, a small number of pupils' behaviour affects their own learning and that of their peers. Leaders need to make sure that all teachers consistently apply the school's behaviour policy and, when needed, provide pupils with extra support, so that low-level disruption does not affect how the curriculum is taught.