Foxton Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils enjoy attending Foxton Primary School. They feel safe and well cared for by staff. Pupils flourish because the school is welcoming and everyone is treated equally.

Pupils are keen to learn. They respond well to the high expectations that staff have for them. Pupils are enthusiastic and curious to learn something new.

They especially enjoy learning about the local area and how it compares with other communities.Pupils understand the school's values of respect, responsibility and resilience. Pupils learn to be responsible.

They help others by taking on roles such as being buddies for younger pupils.Pupils' behaviour is positive. There is a calm and order...ly atmosphere throughout the school.

Pupils are polite and respectful to each other and to staff. Bullying is rare in this school. If there is any unkindness between pupils, it is dealt with quickly and effectively.

The playground is a happy place to be during lunchtimes. Pupils play well together, sharing play equipment fairly and encouraging friends to join with different games.Parents and carers are very positive about the school.

They talk highly of the leaders, teachers and support staff. They value the care and attention that their children receive.

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

Leaders have designed a curriculum that is well structured and ambitious.

In most subjects, including reading and mathematics, leaders have thought carefully about what it is that they want pupils to know. Important knowledge is set out in a logical order so that pupils develop their understanding over time. Teachers make links between subjects, so that pupils have opportunities to strengthen the knowledge they have learned across different subjects.

However, in a small number of subjects, leaders have not identified clearly enough what pupils will learn and when. This means that in some lessons teachers do not focus on the specific knowledge that they want pupils to learn and understand.In the early years, learning is carefully planned and skilfully delivered.

Adults support children to develop their knowledge and understanding across all areas of the curriculum. Children are well prepared for Year 1 and beyond.

Leaders have high aspirations for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Teachers adapt their teaching and provide pupils with personalised support so that any barriers to learning are removed. As a result, pupils with SEND make timely progress and achieve well.

Leaders have chosen a phonics programme to support the teaching of early reading.

The teaching of reading begins as soon as children start in early years. Leaders provide pupils with books to read that are closely matched to the sounds they are learning. Pupils who have gaps in their reading knowledge are supported effectively by staff to catch up quickly.

Pupils become confident and fluent readers quickly. They read a wide range of texts, which helps them to develop a love of reading.During lessons, teachers make sure that pupils listen carefully and follow instructions.

Lessons flow smoothly. Pupils share their ideas about their learning and help each other without interruption.Leaders check pupils' attendance closely.

They share their high expectations with the parents of any pupils who do not attend school regularly. However, there are still some pupils whose attendance needs to be better so that they can learn more successfully.Staff teach pupils about diversity and difference.

Pupils understand the meaning of democracy and how this affects them. They can describe how it is used when they decide which charities to support. Pupils model the school's ethos of always caring for others.

The curriculum teaches pupils how to stay safe and lead healthy lives.Governors bring a wide range of skills and expertise to their role. They have an accurate understanding of the strengths in the school and what needs to improve.

Leaders and governors are outward-looking. They have benefited from the guidance provided by the local authority, which has enabled them to further develop subject leadership.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Leaders have established a strong culture of safeguarding. They have put effective systems in place to keep all pupils safe. All staff take their responsibilities for the safeguarding of pupils seriously.

They receive thorough training so that they know what to do if they identify any concerns.Leaders work with external agencies to make sure that vulnerable pupils and families get the support that they need.Pupils know who to talk to if they have a worry or a concern.

They are confident that staff will help them. Pupils learn how to stay safe online and in public spaces.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• In some subjects, leaders have not identified the specific knowledge that they want pupils to learn.

As a result, teachers have to make decisions about what is taught which are not always as leaders would intend. Leaders should make sure that the agreed subject-specific knowledge is set out explicitly in all subject plans. This will support teachers to teach more effectively.

• Leaders check pupils' attendance regularly. A small number of pupils are still not attending school often enough. Leaders should make sure that all pupils attend school as often as they can so that they benefit fully from the education that the school provides.

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