Needwood CofE Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils flourish at this unique school that is at the heart of the community. The school's motto 'hand in hand with God, we love, learn and achieve' is lived and breathed by all pupils irrespective of their beliefs.

The 'fruits of the spirit' values are embedded in all aspects of school life. Pupils are kind, well-mannered and have high levels of self-control. As a result, pupils flourish.

The school has high expectations for pupils' behaviour and achievement. Pupils live up to these expectations. They all behave and achieve exceptionally well.

There are strong and positive relationships between pupils and staff and between pupils of all ages. Pupils want thei...r peers to be just as successful as them. They rejoice in each other's achievements in class and in celebration assemblies.

The way the school develops pupils' character is exceptional. Helping those in need and giving back to the community is an integral part to school life. The school raffle and bake sales raise money for charities close to the pupils' hearts.

Donating food and visiting elders with handmade Christmas cards is important to them. The 'school parliament' and the 'prime minister' are positive role models for their younger peers. Older pupils listen to younger pupils read during 'buddy time'.

All of this helps pupils to be independent, compassionate and active members of the community.

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

The whole school experience is centred around nurture, inclusivity, celebrating differences and developing pupils to be the best they can be. Staff invest time in getting to know the pupils.

This starts in the early years where children build trusted relationships with the adults and are cared for by their older peers in the mixed-age classes. As a result, pupils feel a sense of belonging and are proud to be a part of the school.

All pupils, irrespective of their backgrounds or need, receive a high-quality education.

Staff are equipped with effective professional development and there is frequent collaboration with other schools in the trust. They share expertise and resources to ensure that every child meets or exceeds expectations.

The school identifies, assesses and reviews pupils with SEND accurately.

The school work closely with families, class teachers and external agencies to create 'pupil passports'. Staff are given bespoke training to help them cater to the needs of all pupils. This means that all pupils have their needs met and they thrive in all aspects of school life.

The ambitious curriculum is meticulously planned with cross-curricular links to other subjects. This includes links to fundamental British values, enrichment opportunities, educational visits and protected characteristics. The approach to develop the whole child is achieved wholeheartedly and staff make every interaction a learning opportunity.

There are a broad range of subjects for pupils to learn. Careful consideration has been given to what pupils will learn, when they will learn it and how they will learn it. In lessons, staff use a range of strategies, from repetition to rhymes to physical actions to help pupils remember this 'sticky knowledge.'

This means pupils build on knowledge over time and gain a deep understanding.

As soon as children start in Reception, they begin to learn the basic sounds letters and combinations of letters make. Staff are reading experts.

They routinely monitor, assess and track pupils' progress through the reading curriculum. Pupils who struggle to read are given bespoke support. This helps them to catch up.

There are a diverse range of books for pupils to read for pleasure. The bookshelf "take a look in a history book" has books ranging from The Vikings to Martin Luther King. Parents and carers attend reading workshops to give them tips when listening to their child reading at home.

Pupils leave Year 6 as proficient and confident readers. This prepares them well for secondary school.

Pupils' behaviour in lessons and at social times is exceptional.

The 'nurture provision' offers bespoke support for pupils who may encounter difficulties. They receive a range of strategies depending on what nurture they require. All of this develops pupils' resilience and independence, and boosts their self-esteem.

Pupils' personal development is excellent. Staff are astute at making adaptations to meet the diverse needs of pupils. Pupils learn a range of topics from healthy eating, healthy relationships and how to stay safe.

In 'careers week' pupils focus on future aspirations and delve into their potential career choices. Pupils are enriched further through the range of clubs on offer such as tag rugby and the 'toot' music club where pupils perform to their families at Christmas.

Leaders at all levels understand their role and carry this out adeptly.

Governors ask the right questions to ensure that the best interests of pupils and their families are at the heart of what the school does. Staff are proud to be a part of the school and feel highly regarded by the school.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.