Histon and Impington Park Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils and their parents appreciate the privilege of being part of such an exceptional school community.

Pupils quickly learn to embody the school's 'PARK' values: pride, aspiration, respect and kindness.

Pupils take pride in their schoolwork and achievements. They strive for house points by completing tasks to a high standard.

Achieving a coveted 'crown' or certificate in the weekly assembly further boosts their self-belief.

Aspirations shine through in pupils' attentive listening, active participation in lessons and regular attendance. These behaviours enrich pupils' knowledge.

Year 2 pupils, for example, understand how to use colour and l...ine to depict movement in artwork. Year 5 pupils knowingly discuss different monarchs' reigns.

Deep respect is ingrained in pupils' attitudes about others.

They avoid assumptions and embrace opportunities for everyone's success. Across the school, pupils eagerly engage in performances. These include poetry recitals, singing in the choir and acting.

These opportunities not only boost their self-esteem, but also garner support and encouragement from their peers, parents and staff.

Acts of kindness are routine. They foster a happy and safe environment.

Pupils build friendships and seek adult support when needed. Older pupils mentor younger ones. The 'play leaders' organise imaginative games and sports.

This promotes active play and inclusivity at lunchtime.

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

Trust and school leaders form a powerful partnership. Leaders foster strong relationships within and beyond the trust.

It facilitates sharing expertise and shaping systems that benefit pupils, parents and staff. Teachers, for example, collaborate with colleagues from nearby schools. Together, they plan well-thought-out lessons using the trust's curriculum plans.

It strikes a balance between trust-wide consistency and school flexibility. Trustees and academy councillors ensure decisions support pupils' learning and development. They scrutinise policies and procedures with meticulous attention.

This information informs strategic planning. Such strong engagement drives the school to new levels of success.

Working with the trust, the school has carefully crafted its curriculum.

Every subject undergoes thorough planning. Teachers know exactly which words, concepts and skills pupils should learn. There is also guidance on the best teaching methods.

This includes high-quality coaching from leaders in the school and across the trust. The leaders are experts in and enthusiastic about their subjects. They inspire staff to teach each subject with equal enthusiasm and effectiveness.

Staff teach using clear instructions. This helps pupils to avoid guessing and prepares them well for answering questions. It also helps them contribute to discussions and complete activities successfully.

Leaders and staff are steadfast in ensuring that pupils learn to read. Structured phonics and whole-class reading programmes are in place. Continuous staff training, including expert coaching, supports this effort.

Monthly checks identify pupils with gaps in their phonics knowledge. This informs meticulous support. Meanwhile, whole-class reading improves pupils' vocabulary and comprehension.

The school promotes a love of reading. Teachers lead engaging story time sessions. This all contributes to high achievement in reading across all year groups.

The school's early years provision excels in fostering children's independence and understanding. The curriculum starts with personal experiences. Then, it expands to the local community and wider world.

Children engage in systematic activities that embed knowledge through routine. For example, they photograph a tree each month to see the seasons change.

The school is skilled in identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

It collaborates with parents, nursery schools and trust leaders to make the right decisions. Trust and school leaders make accurate assessments and work with external partners. For example, Reception-age children with communication difficulties receive speech and language therapy promptly.

In lessons, staff appropriately adjust materials, such as simplifying the text in worksheets. Such changes help pupils work with their peers, boosting their confidence and achievement.

Pupils' behaviour is exemplary.

From the early years, staff teach children how to behave during lessons. For example, on the carpet, children know not to touch the equipment at their feet until it is time to use it. This foundation ensures that lessons across the school are conducive to learning.

There are occasions when a pupil who struggles with self-control joins the school. When this happens, staff provide the pupil with care and attention. They establish and implement clear rules, routines and strategies to improve conduct.

The school provides outstanding opportunities for personal growth. These help pupils learn important skills and build a strong sense of community. Activities such as touch typing prepare pupils for future employment, and events such as danceathons raise money for school improvements.

However, what truly sets the school apart is how all these positive aspects work together to develop pupils who are confident, clever and kind. Pupils are a credit to themselves, their parents and the school.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Also at this postcode