Fulfen Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

This school is a special place to be – a place where pupils thrive due to the care and dedication of the adults that support them. There exists a quiet determination to be the 'best they can be' for the community they serve, and an unwillingness to sit back and accept that things cannot be improved.

Leaders at all levels model their high ambition with passion.

Pupils feel safe because adults go 'above and beyond' to get to know them and their worries. Care for pupils is exemplary and staff leave 'no stone unturned' to ensure that pupils do well in their learning.

They know that happy children are more likely to thrive, and many do.

Pupils do well bot...h academically and in their wider development. They demonstrate kindness and exceptional manners when interacting with others.

They welcome visitors with an inquiring mind and enjoy showing them their school. Behaviour is exceptional and pupils speak of this being the case both in and outside of the classroom.

The school's LEAD values support the curriculum.

These values are successfully developing pupils' learning behaviours. Adults take every opportunity to teach how being 'determined' and 'adaptable' are important characteristics to show. Staff provide opportunities for pupils to demonstrate these during visits or when supporting others in their community.

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

There is an 'open culture' at this school, where everybody is receptive to the advice and guidance of others. They seek to assess their performance by inviting experts into school to help them to identify areas for improvement. Any advice they receive is acted upon without delay.

Leaders know the things that make this school a special place to be. They remain steadfast in their insistence that there should be a 'child-first' approach to school improvement. When assessing if changes are necessary, they use tried and tested methods to improve the quality of education they offer.

They make sure that all staff know the purpose of such changes and how to deliver them.

There is an exceptional curriculum on offer. Pupils develop a deep understanding across all subjects.

Careful consideration has been given to what staff want pupils to know. Staff make precise assessments about what pupils can do before they move learning on. Pupils who do not understand concepts receive same-day additional sessions to help them 'keep up' with their peers.

Pupils' learning is enhanced by the effective use of technology. The result is that staff are often able to stretch pupils' learning beyond what was previously possible. This use of technology in lessons appears effortless, but significant time has been spent by staff replanning their curriculum to maximise the impact of it.

Children in the early years get off to an exceptional start. High levels of concentration and positive learning behaviours are quickly established. Adults are highly skilled in promoting learning while being aware that children need to develop a personal curiosity and enjoyment of what they are doing.

Children learn how to read quickly, segmenting and blending words with increasing accuracy. Adults read books, rhymes and songs to children, who listen with smiles on their faces. The learning environment is vibrant, with everything having a place and purpose.

Pupils love to read. The school has supported them to do so by investing in a wide range of books from different authors and time periods. Class libraries are stocked with non-fiction books that are linked to current learning.

These are often rotated to make sure they reflect new topics. Pupils feel that having access to these books really supports their learning. Most pupils learn to read by the time they leave Year 1.

Those who fall behind receive one-to-one support to help them catch up. The school has focused on developing pupils' reading fluency.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are extremely well supported to learn.

They receive high-quality support from staff who have been well-trained to identify and assess their needs. Intervention spaces are stocked with useful resources and familiar prompts. There is consideration given about when these interventions take place so that pupils do not miss other learning.

Support plans are highly effective in identifying why pupils find learning difficult. Teachers use these plans very well when planning for the pupils.

Pupils demonstrate exceptional character.

The experiences they get to develop civic and moral responsibility include raising money for those less fortunate than themselves. All pupils know that it is their duty to help others in need. Pupils feel that the school provides lots of opportunities for them to visit new places and join new clubs.

Pupils believe that being included and showing tolerance towards other people is how everybody should feel and behave. They feel well prepared for life beyond this school.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.