Curwen Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Every morning, pupils arrive at school with smiles on their faces and are greeted by friendly and welcoming staff. All staff have high expectations of pupils, who understand how to meet and exceed them.

Pupils are passionate about their learning. They are extremely happy and safe here.

Pupils have an excellent understanding of what it means to be a good friend.

They demonstrate positive working relationships with staff across the school, who support and motivate them. In lessons, behaviour is impressive. This is also the case around the school and in the playground.

Staff go above and beyond to know all pupils and their families incredibly well.
...
Parents and carers speak very highly about the school. They are grateful for the work staff do both for their children and the community.

The school successfully develops pupils into successful and healthy individuals as part of the 'SHINE' principles. School visits are meticulously planned. Staff ensure that every pupil has an annual visit to the theatre, a place of worship and an opportunity to travel outside London, such as a visit to the seaside.

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

Leaders have designed an aspirational curriculum that goes beyond the expectations of the national curriculum in every subject. They have carefully considered how they sequence each subject. All subject leaders have made sure that the curriculum journey begins in the Nursery.

Leaders have made staff training and development a priority. Subject leaders make sure they are up to date with good practice and in turn train and support all other staff. Expectations of all pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), are exceptionally high.

The identification and provision for all pupils, including those with complex needs, is impressive.

Teachers regularly assess pupils' understanding to inform future teaching. They know how well pupils have remembered the smaller steps that they are taught with precision.

Staff make sure that pupils build on their knowledge over time. For example, pupils have a deep knowledge of different periods of history and chronology starting from Nursery through to Year 6. In early years, children focus on their understanding of the passing of time in their lives.

Leaders have made reading a top priority. Staff teach phonics consistently well. Teachers help to extend the more confident readers and support those who may fall behind.

Where necessary, pupils receive regular and targeted support. This helps to make sure that they quickly catch up with their peers. Teachers across the school promote a love of reading.

They have carefully chosen books that interest and inspire pupils. In Nursery, children use puppets to re-enact stories. The school library is in the heart of the school building and is used by pupils and parents throughout the school day.

Leaders work effectively with outside agencies to best support pupils with SEND. Staff are expertly guided in adapting learning for pupils to access the full curriculum. This a highly welcoming school where all pupils with SEND receive exceptional support.

Pupils' behaviour is impressive. They demonstrate very positive attitudes to their education. They concentrate on their learning with enthusiasm.

Leaders have clear behaviour routines, which are embedded and have been communicated effectively to all stakeholders, including parents. This helps to make the school a calm and orderly environment.

The personal development of pupils is carefully considered and planned for.

Staff encourage pupils to be responsible global citizens. The majority of pupils attend an extensive, broad range of extra-curricular clubs. These cover pupils' interests and talents.

Pupils have a good understanding of how to keep healthy and can spot the signs of an unhealthy relationship. Staff enable pupils to have a strong sense of belonging.

There is a relentless focus on attendance and punctuality.

The school's work has resulted in pupils' attendance significantly improving. Staff feel valued and supported by leaders. Governors and trustees are fully aware of their statutory duties.

They both support and challenge school leaders regularly. Leaders at all levels seek to improve and reflect on their work diligently.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.