Eastnor Parochial Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

This is a joyous and caring school where pupils learn much. The attention to every individual shines out. Whether pupils excel or need extra help, this school meets their needs.

Teachers organise lessons well and academic standards are high. These high expectations are also reflected in pupils' excellent behaviour. Typically, pupils are kind to one another and look for ways to be helpful.

Bullying is not a problem. Nevertheless, school staff are quick to act if any issues between pupils occur.

Opportunities beyond the classroom are extensive.

The school makes the most of its access to Eastnor estate to support outdoor learning. On top of this, the ra...nge of clubs and extra activities is truly exceptional. From poetry to public speaking and orienteering to Latin, there is always something fascinating and worthwhile to get stuck into.

Right from the start, communication with home is top-notch. The school makes its expectations very clear, and provides parents and carers with plenty of information. Parents appreciate this and are highly supportive.

This effective partnership supports pupils to make the most of school.

Pupils' attendance is high. They enjoy school, feel safe and are motivated to do their very best.

It is a great little school.

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

This very well-led school provides pupils with an exceptional education and school experience. Yet there is a reflective modesty that serves the staff, pupils and community well.

Academic standards are high and there is always lots going on. The building and grounds may be small, but the opportunities provided are vast. In sports, music, performance, outdoor education and more, the school goes above and beyond to provide inclusive variety and excellence.

The clubs on offer include Latin, art, dance, drama, allotment keeping, sports and much more. Take-up is high. Even so, the school keeps a careful watch on this and aims to offer something for all ages and interests.

Indeed, the school actively promotes getting involved beyond the school day. Whether this be tournaments or participation in local festivals and performances, the school prompts pupils to join in and do their best. This leads to many team successes and personal achievements that make everyone feel proud.

This is a notable feature.

In class, the school's commitment to reading and the value of books can be seen in lots of ways. A structured and well-resourced scheme starts straight away in Reception.

This ensures that all children learn phonics, with quick catch-up in place for anyone who needs it. Once pupils are reading fluently, the use of high-quality literature, including poems and plays, expands pupils' knowledge and enjoyment of words. Consequently, pupils develop into articulate, imaginative young people who can make connections and are keen to learn more.

The rich and full curriculum fuels and feeds this eagerness to excellent effect.

The curriculum is well designed with clear guidance for staff to follow. This means that from Reception to Year 6, the right things are taught.

Furthermore, because the school is clear about what pupils need to know in different subjects, assessment hits the mark. Nevertheless, the school is always looking for ways to do even better. To this end, its outward-looking approach steers staff to learn from best practice elsewhere.

Membership of subject-specific organisations and attention to educational research helps staff keep up with current ideas. Leaders and staff know what is working well and what needs further adjustment. And this reflective, evaluative attitude and drive for ongoing improvement typifies leadership.

It is another aspect that makes this school stand out.

Staff identify any pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities early. The school's inclusive approach and access to trust expertise supports all to achieve well.

Furthermore, pupils' exemplary behaviour and positive relationships mean classrooms are orderly, purposeful and enjoyable places for learning.

Trust leaders and local governors provide a healthy level of support and guidance. Trust leaders steer the school towards examples of strong practice.

They are equally mindful of the school's local context and its distinctive identity.

Parents are extremely supportive of the school. In their comments to Ofsted, they praised the school for what it does for their children.

They feel involved in school life and say the school listens to them. Staff are also positive about the workplace culture and the support that leaders give them. They work hard, but enjoy what they do and feel valued.

The school's high expectations and worthy values nurture all pupils and enable them to flourish. Pupils who pass through Eastnor Primary School are exceptionally well prepared for life and learning at secondary school.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.