Copdock Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school The governors and headteacher have created a culture of very high expectations to ensure that pupils achieve exceptionally well. Leaders' drive and ambition are shared by staff, parents and pupils.

All leaders work very effectively as a team across the federation. This has enhanced the expertise, knowledge and effectiveness of staff to ensure continuous improvement and the best possible outcomes for pupils. Governors are skilled and highly effective in supporting and challenging leaders at all levels, holding them to account for the work they do.

Despite a dip in key stage 2 results in 2016 in writing, standards in reading, writin...g and mathematics are high, both in key stage 1 and key stage 2. Pupils achieve very well in a wide range of subjects. However, their writing in other subjects is not as good as it is in English.

Disadvantaged pupils or those who have special educational needs and/or disabilities are very well supported. As a result, they are confident learners and make good progress. From starting points that are often below typical, pupils thrive and excel.

Excellent teaching, learning and assessment ensure that pupils of all ages make strong progress. Leadership of the early years is effective. Teaching and support are directed appropriately to ensure that children achieve well.

In this mixed-age class, children do not always get as much opportunity to explore and learn independently through activities they choose. The thematic curriculum is particularly strong. Leaders are committed to ensuring that pupils' learning experiences are 'real'.

Pupils' experiences are enriched through a wide range of visitors, visits and clubs. There is a strong learning culture within Copdock. Staff say that they are very well supported in their own professional development.

The impact is clearly evident in teaching and pupils' outcomes. Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. They are courteous, polite and respectful of others and their views.

Attendance is above average. Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is highly effective. The school aims to develop pupils who are 'confident, successful, responsible'; they are.

Parents are very supportive of the school in this endeavour. Pupils are taught British values and about diversity. They are, therefore, very well prepared for life in modern Britain.

Information about this school

The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website. In 2016, due solely to the outcomes in writing, the school did not meet the government's floor standards for the minimum that pupils should achieve by the time they leave the school at the end of Year 6. Copdock Primary is a small primary school whose pupils are predominantly of White British heritage.

A number of pupils join the school at times other than the start of the academic year, and at different points throughout key stages 1 and 2. The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities is below the national average, as is the proportion of pupils who are disadvantaged. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is below the national average.

Since the previous inspection, the school has federated with Bentley Church of England VC Primary School. The headteacher of Copdock leads both schools, with the deputy headteacher having day-to-day responsibility for Copdock when the headteacher is not on site. During the last two years, the school has also restructured its subject leadership.

There are, therefore, various roles that are shared across the federation, including the leadership of English. The governing body has changed since the previous inspection. After much consideration, there is now one, smaller governing body across the federation.