Farthinghoe Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils flourish in this small, caring and very happy school. Staff work in very close partnership with parents and carers and the community to deliver a positive experience for pupils. The school develops pupils' knowledge and confidence through a highly ambitious curriculum.

Pupils achieve well in their learning. The mixed-aged groupings support the school's aspirational ethos with lesson activities challenging pupils to aim high. The school has high expectations for pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education. Most pupils have strong attitudes to learning in their ...lessons. However, a small number do not focus sufficiently on what is being taught and they can become distracted.

Pupils feel safe and that there is always an adult to talk to if they need advice. Bullying is not tolerated. The school develops pupils' independence and character.

Pupils rise to the school values and understand the importance of being kind.

Pupils enjoy many leadership responsibilities. These include being on the student council or being reading ambassadors.

Pupils also develop their interests at the growing number of clubs they can attend after school. Leaders ensure that all pupils can take part in these activities.

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

Leaders have designed an ambitious, broad and rich curriculum which the school adapts for its pupils.

This starts in the early years where staff provide a wide range of language-rich experiences for children. The curriculum is carefully sequenced, so pupils' knowledge builds up step by step through the years. In history and geography, pupils develop a strong sense of enquiry, asking probing questions such as 'how' and 'why' something has happened in the way it has.

This sense of enquiry runs across all subjects.

Teachers ensure that pupils can connect what they are learning now to what they have learned before. Pupils develop strong problem-solving skills.

They show resilience when presented with a challenge, applying the school's mantra, 'I can't do it … yet!' Children in the early years receive exceptional provision which enables them to be fully prepared for Year 1 and beyond. They thrive as a result of the close personal teaching as well as being able to work alongside older pupils, so helping them to develop strong social skills.

Leaders have put in place effective staff training and guidance.

As a result, teachers have strong subject knowledge. Teachers explain new subject content clearly. They design activities which allow pupils to discuss their learning enthusiastically with each other.

Teachers typically check pupils' learning regularly and address any misconceptions. On occasion, when this does not happen, some pupils do not gain a secure enough understanding in their learning. This means that sometimes they can struggle to progress to more challenging work.

Pupils with SEND benefit from the small teaching groups and consistent support. For example, adults work with them in the classroom to develop their knowledge and independence. This means pupils with SEND can access the same ambitious curriculum as their peers.

Reading is at the heart of the curriculum. The teaching of phonics is strong and highly personalised. Any pupils who struggle to learn to read are given extra support.

This means that any gaps in their phonic knowledge are addressed. Pupils encounter a rich range of diverse texts which helps them develop and use a wide vocabulary.

The school has established an age-appropriate and well-thought-out programme to support pupils' personal development.

Teachers explain important topics, such as healthy relationships and different types of families, sensitively. Pupils, including those in the early years, visit places that enrich their understanding of the curriculum. For example, pupils visit local farms, places of worship and museums.

The school promotes tolerance and respect for different beliefs, cultures and ways of life. Pupils learn how to keep safe, including online.

Leaders have robust systems for ensuring pupils attend school regularly and on time.

They work with families to promote the value of high attendance and its impact on learning. As a result, pupils' attendance is higher than average.

Staff are very positive about working at Farthinghoe Primary School.

They appreciate the many professional development opportunities on offer through the wider trust. Trustees and governors know the school well and fulfil their statutory responsibilities with diligence. They hold leaders to account for the quality of provision and consider staff well-being.

Parents are exceptionally positive about their child's experiences at school. One parent said, reflecting the views of many, “My daughter comes home full of beans about her day.”

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• Sometimes, teaching does not take sufficient account of pupils' questions and address misconceptions quickly enough. This means that some pupils' knowledge of important subject content is not as embedded as it should be. The school should ensure that staff check pupils' learning consistently and adapt their teaching as appropriate.

• On occasion, some pupils become distracted and lose focus during lessons. When this happens, these pupils do not learn and remember what they have been taught as effectively as they could. The school should ensure that staff consistently have high expectations for pupils to have purposeful attitudes to learning and to sustain their engagement in lessons.

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