Grendon Church of England Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are full of enthusiasm for learning.

They rise to the school's high expectations of their learning and behaviour. Pupils follow the school rules and work hard in lessons. Their well-being and academic success are at the heart of the school's work.

Right from the start of the early years, pupils live up to the school's vision for them to be 'independent learners, responsible individuals, and global citizens'. Pupils are prepared well for the next stages of their education.

Many parents and carers refer to the school as a 'caring and supporting family'.

Pupils and staff agree. This is a place where differences are celebrated and everybody is of ...equal importance. Pupils feel safe because of the warm relationships they form with each other and with staff.

Older pupils support younger pupils through their 'pupil mentoring' roles. This helps pupils to develop their sense of responsibility.

The school's 'global curriculum' broadens pupils' understanding of the world.

Pupils' learning is enhanced by memorable experiences, including visits to Cornwall and taking part in Victorian days. Pupils are particularly excited about their forthcoming visit to the theatre to see Peter Pan, having read the book in school.

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

The school has instilled a culture of high standards.

It is attuned to the needs of pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school identifies pupils with SEND quickly. It provides these pupils with help in class and targeted additional support when needed.

The school is committed to ensuring that all pupils receive a well-rounded education. As a result, pupils thrive both socially and academically.

The school has an ambitious and broad 'global curriculum'.

This enables pupils to develop their knowledge of different countries and life beyond Grendon. The curriculum is carefully thought through and reviewed often to see if it can be further improved. The school has ensured that pupils' learning builds progressively.

Pupils talk excitedly about their learning. They achieve well. In a small number of subjects, the activities that pupils undertake do not consistently help them to achieve the aims of the highly ambitious curriculum.

Consequently, pupils' knowledge is not as secure in this small number of subjects.

The school leaves no stone unturned in its quest to ensure that pupils learn to read. From the beginning of Nursery onwards, there is a sharp focus on developing children's communication and language.

Staff deliver the school's chosen phonics programme with expertise. Pupils read books that are matched carefully to the sounds that they know. Staff often check pupils' reading.

Any pupils who need extra help receive effective support to help them catch up quickly. Pupils, including those with SEND, read with confidence. They love listening to stories read by their teachers.

Across the school, including in the early years, relationships are strong and positive. Children in the early years get off to a flying start. The school provides a safe, interesting, and inviting range of learning activities, both indoors and outdoors.

In all year groups, pupils' behaviour and attitudes to learning are positive. Pupils know their roles in making their school a calm and respectful place to be. On the playground, pupils chat and play together happily.

Pupils' enjoyment of school is reflected in their high attendance.

Beyond academic learning, the school provides pupils with high-quality pastoral support. The curriculum is enhanced with memorable trips linked to the topics pupils study, which they say, 'brings their learning to life'.

Pupils are respectful towards each other and to staff. They learn about the differences between people and the importance of treating everybody equally. Pupils know how to keep themselves safe and healthy.

While some pupils access after-school activities, these are somewhat limited. Some pupils do not have many opportunities to broaden their interests and talents.

Leaders and governors share the same relentless determination to provide the very best for every pupil.

They work in harmony to prepare pupils well for their next stages by ensuring academic success and strong social and emotional support. Staff enjoy working together as a team. They value the consideration given to their workload and well-being.

Staff are incredibly proud to be part of the school 'family'. The school is a very special place for pupils and staff alike.

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 foundation subjects, the activities that pupils undertake do not consistently support them to achieve the intended goals of the ambitious curriculum. In these subjects, pupils do not build a sufficient depth of knowledge. The school should ensure that suitable pedagogical choices are made so that the clearly sequenced curriculum is delivered as planned.

• The school does not offer a sufficient breadth of experiences to develop pupils' talents and interests. Opportunities for extra-curricular activities are somewhat limited. The school should further develop a programme of wider curriculum activities that support pupils' personal development and help pupils explore what they are good at and things they enjoy doing.

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