Orchard Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils enjoy coming to school, and are happy and safe.

They have positive relationships with each other, built on mutual respect. They all have an adult they can speak to if they are worried. Pupils learn about how to keep safe online.

Pupils report that bullying is extremely rare and is not tolerated by staff. Behaviour in lessons is calm. Expectations of pupils' behaviour are consistently high.

Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes to learning. They contribute to lessons and work hard independently and in groups.

Staff want the very best for all pupils.

They have created a climate that inspires pupils to have high aspirations. Leaders are ...making sure that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), have access to a broad and ambitious curriculum.

Pupils enjoy the large outdoor area.

Staff make sure that pupils have access to a range of activities during playtimes. Pupils understand the importance of keeping fit and healthy. They learn about positive relationships.

Leaders communicate key messages and expectations weekly during assemblies.

Pupils enjoy the workshops and trips on offer, such as the Year 6 residential visit to Sussex, and the first-aid workshop where they learned how to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

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

Leaders have prioritised the teaching of reading, writing and mathematics.

A new phonics programme is in place. Staff have received training and are delivering the sessions consistently well from Nursery through to Year 2. Resources have been adapted so that they are fit for all pupils, including those with SEND.

Teachers regularly assess pupils to identify any gaps in their reading. They quickly adapt their teaching. They also provide extra help for any pupils falling behind.

Consequently, these pupils quickly catch up with their peers. Teachers have begun their work in promoting reading for pleasure. They have carefully chosen texts, which they read to their classes daily.

Pupils are beginning to talk about reading with enthusiasm.

Teachers regularly recap previous learning and summarise new learning. Pupils say that doing this helps them remember more.

Pupils with SEND have access to the full curriculum alongside their peers. Leaders engage well with parents and carers and outside agencies.

Mathematics is a strength in the school.

The programme is ambitious and well sequenced. After a significant amount of training, staff are now confident in their mathematical subject knowledge. Teachers assess pupils' knowledge constantly and provide them with clear, direct feedback.

Pupils progress well and stretch themselves as a result. Children join Nursery at a low baseline in mathematics. Staff carefully plan and model activities for children in early years so that they regularly practise concepts until they become fluent in them.

The science curriculum has been well planned and sequenced. There is a clear progression of knowledge and skills. As a result, pupils are enthusiastic when they talk about their learning in science.

They gave examples of how they have developed as scientists over the years. For example, in early years, children start to learn about planets. In Year 1, pupils learn about gravity and can refer to that when finding out about the moon landing.

Some other subject programmes, such as those for history and geography, have also been carefully designed. Leaders have made some appropriate links with other subjects and the whole-class reading books. Themes are developed over time, such as economy and education.

Nevertheless, leaders still have some work to do in these subjects. While they have identified the key knowledge to be taught in most year groups, they now need to deliver it to all staff through training.

Furthermore, subjects such as art, and design technology are at earlier stages.

Although pupils are being taught these subjects, their experiences are varied. Leaders know exactly what they need to do to rectify this. Their work in this area has been significantly affected by COVID-19, along with the need to prioritise reading, writing and mathematics.

Pupils are polite and courteous, and celebrate each other's differences. They behave well in class and around the school. Parents comment on the positive community atmosphere.

Parents enjoy receiving regular emails and the school newsletter. They are very pleased with the recent improvements to the education of their children.

Staff and governors are very proud of their school.

They have shared, high aspirations for their pupils. Staff say that they work hard, but that leaders look out for them and care about their well-being.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Leaders, including governors, have ensured that there is a strong safeguarding culture across the school. All staff and governors receive regular training on safeguarding matters. They are all clear about their responsibilities.

Pupils feel safe and receive regular updates on how to keep safe online.

Leaders make sure that all safeguarding procedures are rigorous. Leaders engage well with outside agencies and provide families with the support they need.

Leaders follow safer recruitment procedures to ensure that all pre-employment checks are carried out diligently.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• Leaders have focused on improving reading, writing and mathematics. These subjects are being delivered consistently well and pupils are making good progress.

Leaders have worked on the rest of the curriculum, but some subjects are further along than others. Leaders must now clearly identify the key curriculum components that are missing. They need to complete this work across all subjects with some urgency.

They must provide teachers with subject-specific training where there are gaps in their understanding of the curriculum. This is so that pupils will be able to confidently know and remember more in these subjects. For this reason, the transitional arrangements have been applied.

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