Davenham CofE Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Children in the early years get off to an exceptionally strong start in this school.

Staff greet them each morning with a kind smile and support them to settle quickly. Across the school, pupils feel cared for and safe. Staff are always willing to help and to listen.

Pupils are happy and proud to attend this school.

Pupils' behaviour is excellent. They are unfailingly polite and courteous.

Pupils follow the school's 'four steps', which help them to resolve any minor fallings out with independence and sensitivity. Older pupils act as strong role models for their younger peers. They uphold the school's values as they work and play together and while he...lping others.

Pupils appreciate the many opportunities that the school provides for them, such as fencing and cookery clubs. These experiences help pupils to develop their talents and interests. Pupils enjoy trips that enrich the curriculum, such as visits to museums and to zoos.

The school sets high expectations for pupils' achievement, including for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils respond positively to their work and most achieve well in a range of subjects. Pupils are well prepared for their next stages of learning.

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

The school has designed a curriculum that meets the needs of its pupils, including those with SEND. It has identified ambitious goals for pupils to work towards, including in the mixed-age classes. Each subject has been carefully ordered so that pupils are able to build on their prior knowledge.

Pupils receive plentiful opportunities to revisit and consolidate their learning. They learn well.

Teachers are well trained to deliver the curriculum effectively.

They have strong subject knowledge. In the early years, staff carefully select activities that meet children's learning needs. Staff purposefully interact with children to ensure that each learning opportunity is maximised.

Children respond positively to these interactions because they are enthusiastic about their learning. From the minute that they arrive in the Reception Year, staff provide children with a range of activities to explore, play and learn from in a nurturing and stimulating environment.

Pupils with SEND are identified early.

This means that these pupils receive the support that they require in a timely manner. In most subjects, teachers use their knowledge of pupils' individual needs well to accurately set appropriate learning tasks. However, in a few subjects, teachers do not skilfully adapt learning activities well enough for some pupils with SEND.

This means that these pupils do not consistently learn as well as they should.The school has prioritised reading. Staff implement the phonics programme effectively.

Pupils read from books that contain the sounds that they already know. This helps them to read accurately and with growing confidence and fluency. Teachers quickly identify pupils who need additional practice.

These pupils receive daily support to make sure they keep pace with the phonics programme. A love of reading permeates the school. Pupils enjoy the array of books available to them in their classrooms and in the school's library.

Clear routines and expectations, which start at the beginning of the early years, encourage pupils to do their best at all times. Most pupils attend school well. Attendance levels are high.

The school provides the necessary support for families to support pupils in attending school regularly and on time.

The school provides a broad programme to support pupils' personal development. This helps pupils to develop into well-rounded citizens.

Pupils learn about healthy relationships and how to keep themselves healthy. They embrace various leadership opportunities, such as being members of the ethos group or acting as playleaders. Pupils carry out these roles with pride and they enjoy making a positive difference.

School councillors relish the chance to voice their ideas of how to improve their school. They know that staff value their opinions and that they will act on their suggestions. Pupils welcome everyone into school, as they understand the importance of treating people equally and respectfully.

The school prioritises staff's well-being. Staff feel valued. They appreciate regular training opportunities, which help them to develop their subject expertise.

Governors understand the school well. They provide appropriate support and challenge to hold the school to account for the quality of education that pupils receive.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• In a few subjects, teachers do not design learning activities for some pupils with SEND sufficiently well. This means these pupils do not learn the intended curriculum as well as they should. The school should train staff so that they better understand how to effectively adapt the curriculum for pupils with SEND.