Pencoys Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pencoys Primary School has an engaging and ambitious curriculum. Pupils are motivated and excited to learn.

Expectations are high. As a result, pupils concentrate well and are rightly proud of their work. Pupils learn well and are ready for the next stage of their education.

The school has established three 'diamond rules' that underpin a respectful school culture. These rules inspire pupils to treat each other kindly and to behave well. This means pupils are happy and feel safe.

They say they are cared for and feel valued.

Pupils enjoy the trips and visits that are available to them, such as the whole-school visit to the beach or the Year 5 visit to... London. The after-school clubs are well attended and include coding, cooking, dance and sports clubs.

Pupils learn a variety of musical instruments, such as the guitar, keyboard and ukulele. Pupils enjoy performing as part of school shows and attend events and performances outside of school.

Pupils also benefit from opportunities to develop leadership, such as serving on the school council, being play leaders or school librarians, or serving as members of the eco-council.

Pupils thoroughly enjoy coming to school.

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

Pencoys Primary School has been on a rapid journey of improvement since the previous inspection. The trust and the school have high expectations for all, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those who may be disadvantaged.

As a result, pupils learn well.

The curriculum is organised so that, in most subjects, pupils' learning builds on what they already know. For example, pupils learn about electrical circuits in science before using this knowledge to make electrical games in design and technology.

However, in a few subjects, the curriculum is not yet fully embedded. This means that pupils do not develop the breadth and depth of knowledge that they need.

The school has prioritised the early years.

The school has planned a curriculum that is well considered and carefully structured. Communication and language are high priorities. Adults model language regularly, and this helps children learn new words and how to express themselves with greater precision.

For example, when role playing, pupils use words such as 'ingredients' or 'mixing' when preparing food in the role-play area. Children make good use of enticing and interesting spaces to learn, both inside and out. They participate in a range of well-chosen activities to consolidate their learning.

For example, many enjoy the recently renovated woodland way area, where the popular 'mud kitchens' are available for all. The outdoor area provides children with opportunities to take risks and develop their gross motor skills.Reading is central to the school's curriculum.

Children in the early years get off to a strong start. For example, in the Nursery, children develop a love of rhymes and traditional stories. In Reception and Year 1, the sounds that pupils learn are mapped out in carefully planned sequences.

The books pupils take home match the sounds that they are learning. Pupils at risk of falling behind are identified early. Additional support is put in place when needed.

The well-stocked library is an inviting space that pupils enjoy. Older pupils also benefit from a well-organised reading curriculum. As a result, they are capable and confident readers.

The school has high expectations of pupils' behaviour. This begins in the early years. Children settle well into the clear routines.

The school has provided timely pastoral support for those pupils with increased levels of anxiety. Most of the behaviour of pupils in the school is positive and has improved in recent months. Until recently, the trust has not always had enough oversight of how behaviour is managed in the school.

Teachers and support staff are skilful in identifying and working with pupils with SEND. They provide additional learning sessions or adapt the delivery of the curriculum to make it accessible.

Pupils gain an age-appropriate understanding of healthy relationships through the personal, social and health education curriculum.

Workshops delivered by the police and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution help pupils to understand risks when out and about in the community. The school promotes equality and diversity effectively. As a result, pupils understand, appreciate and respect difference in the world.

For example, pupils know about faiths and cultures that are different from their own.

Trustees and local governors are committed to the school and are clear about the school's vision and aims. Staff appreciate leaders' consideration and support to manage their workload.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• The curriculum is not embedded in all subjects. As a result, pupils do not learn the curriculum as effectively in some subjects compared to others.

The school needs to ensure that the curriculum is securely and consistently embedded in all subjects across the curriculum. ? Governors and trustees have not had secure oversight of behaviour incidents that have taken place in the school. Governors and trustees need to monitor this aspect of the school's work with rigour, challenging leaders when appropriate.