Finstock Church of England Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils receive an excellent start to their education. Every morning pupils arrive with a palpable sense of enthusiasm towards their learning.

This is because the school has the highest ambition for every pupil to be the best they can be. The school vision of 'providing all children with the highest level of academic curriculum and pastoral care' is fully realised. Pupils are exceptionally well equipped for continued success.

Pupils behave impeccably in lessons and at play times. They have a profound understanding of kindness and friendship. Younger children admire and seek guidance from their peers, who they view as caring and supportive role models.

Older pu...pils see the school as 'one big family' and relish the opportunity to play and learn alongside each other.

All pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, (SEND) thrive. They benefit from a comprehensive curriculum and also access a wide range of enrichment opportunities.

Pupils participate keenly in competitions such as boccia and cross country. Moreover, they exhibit a strong ecological knowledge, caring deeply for the environment. Through forest school activities and creating a welcoming habitat for bats and birds within the school grounds, pupils showcase their detailed understanding of the natural world.

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

The school is unwavering in its pursuit of excellence. Its highly developed curriculum sets out the precise knowledge, skills and vocabulary pupils will learn. The content of the curriculum is carefully mapped out so that pupils routinely revisit key concepts, which helps them to remember more and in greater detail.

Pupils with SEND are quickly identified and supported effectively to access learning across the full curriculum. Staff regularly check for gaps in pupils' understanding and provide swift support, so pupils do not fall behind. Pupils demonstrate a strong engagement with their learning.

Because of this, they become confident and articulate learners who achieve exceptionally well.

Children receive a tremendous start to their educational journey in early years. The curriculum is skilfully designed to develop children's language and communication.

Staff settle children into routines quickly, so they feel safe and happy. They know the children and families exceptionally well. Learning tasks are carefully managed so that children experience the full ambition of the curriculum.

Staff ensure carefully crafted activities ignite children's enjoyment when learning new concepts. Ambitious vocabulary is promoted to extend children's use of language.

Reading is a high priority.

The school recognises the importance of reading and ensures that the staff deliver the phonics curriculum precisely and with fidelity. Children are skilfully supported in Nursery to develop their speaking and listening skills, preparing them for a strong start when they reach Reception class. Staff make sure that books are carefully matched to the sounds pupils know.

Because of this, pupils gain the secure phonics knowledge they need to be successful readers. Staff are quick to identify pupils who need extra support, so they catch up quickly. Pupils love to read, and they access an extensive range of books by different authors.

They relish every opportunity to read aloud in class.

The school has the highest expectations of pupils' behaviour and attendance. Staff model these expectations carefully to pupils.

As a result, pupils strive to meet these expectations daily. They are polite and considerate to each other. One pupil echoed the views of many, saying, 'We are like a family.'



The school ensures that pupils receive an exciting and broad range of experiences to enhance learning. The curriculum is brought alive through these experiences and the school is ambitious for all pupils to participate. Pupils are well prepared for life beyond Finstock.

They have a strong sense of justice and have a deep-rooted understanding of fundamental British values. Pupils are tolerant and respectful and welcome everyone to their school. The school provides many opportunities for pupils to support local community initiatives and charities.

For example, pupils contributed to a village campaign to reduce speed limits and to raise money for a hedgehog welfare organisation. They also look beyond the village to celebrate other cultures and countries, such as Japan.

Leaders are highly ambitious for all pupils, staff and the community that they serve.

Staff receive a well-structured programme of training and development, designed to support effective teaching. The school ensures staff workload and well-being are priorities. Staff value the collaborative working within the trust schools which supports their teaching.

The trust and local committee fulfil their statutory duties with expertise, ensuring a strong partnership across the trust. They share the same high ambitions for the school and all pupils.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.