Croyland Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils have noted how much their school has improved.

The headteacher and staff want the best for all pupils. Pupils are very keen to tell visitors all about the exciting things they do each day.Lessons have become much better.

Pupils now get a good education at Croyland. Teachers show them how to read well from a young age, using 'Fred talk' to sound out new words, and how to write well too. By Year 1, pupils are learning about the structure of plants in science.

In music, they learn musical notes and can compose tunes. They love going to the many clubs, such as multi-sports and choir.Pupils feel safe at the school.

They say that staff deal well wit...h any instances of bullying. Pupils say poor behaviour is rare, though, because everyone gets on so well. They have designed 'The Croyland Way' and explained to inspectors how it helps them remember to be polite and to keep trying their best.

Pupils feel listened to, and everyone is included. Staff teach them to respect everyone, no matter what group someone belongs to.

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

Leaders conducted a root-and-branch review of the curriculum after the last inspection.

They, and staff, have worked tirelessly to ensure that the quality of education is good, and they have succeeded.Leaders are clear, across subjects, exactly what they want pupils to learn at each point. They have placed lessons in order, building up knowledge in one lesson so pupils are ready to learn what is next.

Teachers make sure that they repeat things enough for pupils to remember them. Pupils can recall, for instance, how light travels in straight lines but that its direction can be altered with a mirror. Teachers show them how to write with ambitious vocabulary and accurate spelling.

Teachers are checking what all pupils can remember. They are filling any gaps in pupils' knowledge as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.Staff have the same high ambition for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

These pupils are supported well by staff, who help them to become increasingly independent.

Children get off to a good start in the early years. The classroom is a buzz of purposeful activity.

There is a laser-like focus on ensuring children learn to read as soon as possible. Children do. Skilled staff teach phonics from children's first week in the Reception class.

Pupils learn letters who are 'special friends'. Those in Year 1 use their knowledge to sound out new words, such as 'rubbed'. Staff note any pupils who are not sure about a sound and give them immediate help.

Those who are still learning to read are given appropriate books to build their confidence. This means pupils do not have to guess words or look at the pictures for clues.The features of the effective curriculum for teaching phonics are reflected across subjects.

Inspectors saw pupils in Year 2 mathematics learning to make totals from different amounts. They noted how pupils in Year 6 write atmospheric stories, with sentences such as, 'Venomous spiders were scuttling across the floor in search of their next victim.' In history, pupils learn about Wellingborough's history and the shoe industry.

Pupils achieve well and leave Croyland well prepared for secondary school.

The curriculum is newer for some subjects compared to others. Leaders have plans to ensure subject leaders check them all for effectiveness over the longer term.

However, this has not yet happened.

Pupils behave well and have good attitudes to their learning. They pay attention, work hard and do not disrupt lessons.

From the early years onwards, staff expect them to listen and follow instructions. Pupils cooperate happily. They look after the school and do not drop litter.

They are very polite to visitors.The school's personal development programme is good. Teachers teach pupils about relationships and how to stay safe, including online.

Pupils' knowledge of the protected characteristics is excellent. They can describe in detail how some groups are often treated unkindly in society, and how this is both unfair and disrespectful.Staff express very positive opinions about their training and about how leaders are respectful to them and mindful of their workload.

Parents also speak consistently highly about the school. Of those responding to Ofsted Parent View, 97% would recommend Croyland Primary to others.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Leaders do all they can to keep all pupils safe. They make sure that staff identify pupils at risk of abuse. Staff know the warning signs that a pupil may be being harmed.

They are required to report any concern they may have, however slight, to leaders. Leaders keep meticulous records and take brisk action to support these pupils. They have appropriate procedures for safer recruitment.

Staff teach pupils about personal space and permission seeking. Pupils whom inspectors spoke with said they could approach staff if another pupil ever made them feel uncomfortable by, for example, giving them unwanted attention.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• The curriculum for some subjects, such as design and technology and physical education (PE), is newer than others.

In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has hampered the full implementation of the programme of monitoring by subject leaders. As a result, senior leaders cannot be certain that pupils will consistently learn as much as intended. Senior leaders should make sure that all subject leaders undertake ongoing monitoring of their subjects, making any adjustments needed and giving further guidance to their colleagues where necessary.

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