Farnsfield St Michael’s Church of England Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

The school's vision 'love to learn, learn to love' is embedded in the school. Pupils care about one another and treat each other with kindness and respect, especially those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Lessons capture pupils' interests.

As a result, they enjoy their learning, work hard and are proud of the high-quality work they produce.

Pupils feel safe. They enjoy the school's rewards system and say it encourages them to do their best.

Pupils experience a very wide range of opportunities. There are residential visits for each year group. Pupils learn about different religions by visiting places of worship.

Pup...ils can learn British Sign Language, play cricket or sing in a choir. Pupils develop leadership skills through being a house-captain, a well-being ambassador or a breaktime buddy.

Parents and carers overwhelmingly value the work that the school does, a typical comment made to inspectors was: 'The staff are passionate and invested in the children's welfare at all levels.

It is a joy to send our children into an environment where they will enjoy education and thrive.'

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

There is a culture of high expectations for all at Farnsfield St Michael's Church of England Primary School. The school, with the support of the multi-academy trust, has developed a curriculum that is ambitious and well organised for all pupils, including those with SEND.

The teaching of reading is a strength. Children in early years start learning to read as soon as they join the school. Staff are trained well to teach phonics.

They make sure that books match the letters and sounds that pupils know. The school identifies pupils who may be falling behind in their reading. These pupils receive extra support to catch up.

Pupils appreciate the library and they like visiting it. Staff inspire pupils when they read to them every day. Consequently, pupils read widely and often.

The curriculum identifies the key knowledge, skills and vocabulary that pupils should learn from the early years to Year 6. Staff make regular checks to find out what pupils know. This helps them to identify and address gaps in pupils' knowledge.

Pupils regularly revisit topics they have learned before in memory tasks. This helps pupils know more and remember more. In a small number of subjects, expectations of what pupils will learn are not high enough.

The work given in these subjects does not always challenge pupils to think deeply.

Pupils with SEND access the full curriculum. The school identifies and assesses their needs well.

Staff deliver carefully planned support in lessons. They adapt teaching to meet these pupils' needs. Pupils with SEND produce work of good quality and achieve well.

Children in the early years make the most of the very special environment that is created for them. This provides them with an excellent start to their school life. They develop a curiosity about the world and enjoy learning through well-planned activities.

They play happily together and demonstrate well-developed social skills. Children talk enthusiastically about what they have learned. For example, how things change over time.

Pupils have a positive attitude to their learning. They behave and attend well. The school monitors pupils' absences closely and works with families to improve regular attendance.

Provision for pupils' personal development is exceptional. Every pupil has full access to a wide range of trips, visits and after-school activities. Pupils learn how to debate important issues.

This enables them to understand difference and be tolerant and respectful of others. Pupils understand British values. They develop a strong understanding of world religions.

Pupils learn how to keep themselves healthy and safe. They learn about healthy relationships at an age-appropriate level. Pupils raise money for charity, including support for a child in Uganda.

The school helps pupils to become responsible and thoughtful citizens.

Staff enjoy working at the school. They say that the school always takes into account their workload and well-being.

The multi-academy trust and governors share the school's passion to develop further. Leaders have a clear understanding of the strengths and areas for development in the school. They speak consistently about their commitment to giving pupils the best possible experience.

Governors hold the school effectively to account for safeguarding and the quality of education for pupils with SEND. They offer support that helps to move the school forward.

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 small number of subjects, the work given to pupils is not challenging enough. As a result, pupils do not develop their knowledge and skills as well as they might. The school needs to ensure that there is a consistently high level of challenge and expectations for all pupils in all subjects.