Red Barn Community Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils at Red Barn receive an excellent education. The school has the highest expectations and aspirations for pupils, who make the most of the high-quality provision and rise to the challenge of the ambitious curriculum. This supports pupils to achieve extremely well across the curriculum.

Consequently, pupils' published outcomes in mathematics and reading in 2023 at the end of key stage 2 were exceptional.Relationships between staff and pupils are extremely strong and based on mutual respect. As a result, pupils behave impeccably well.

They are attentive and enthusiastic in lessons. At lunchtimes, pupils benefit from choosing their own clubs, such as reading, or lea...ding games themselves. Staff and pupils are on hand to help others, showing great empathy and kindness.

There is a harmonious and caring atmosphere across the school, which means pupils are very happy and safe.Wider curriculum opportunities are planned carefully to enhance pupils' learning. Trips and visits reinforce different areas of the curriculum.

Pupils are keen to represent their school in a variety of ways and proud to take up the exceptional leadership opportunities on offer. These include being young governors and science ambassadors. As a result, pupils work together to take ownership of their learning.

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

The school is unrelenting in its ambition, and this is highly evident in the design of the curriculum. It reflects the context and experiences of pupils in this community. In every subject, the content is carefully considered to make sure pupils build the knowledge and skills that they need.

This starts in the Reception class where pupils learn, remember and use important knowledge very successfully. As a result, pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, achieve extremely well.The teaching of reading is especially strong.

In phonics, there is clear and systematic teaching, which is precisely matched to pupils' needs. This helps those pupils who have joined the school needing extra support to become fluent and confident readers. Once pupils have moved beyond phonics, the school focuses on core reading skills, including retrieval, inference and language for effect.

Staff also ensure that pupils experience a wide range of interesting and diverse texts. Pupils learn how to decode words effectively, as well as learning to read with animation and interest.Staff use their expert subject knowledge to enthuse pupils in their learning.

Pupils are engaged in lessons and are keen to show what they know. They can reflect on what they have previously been taught to support their new learning. Staff ask precise questions and regularly give pupils time to think and talk about their learning.

Across all subjects, pupils work well collaboratively and show perseverance with their learning. During regular debates and discussions, pupils show respect for others' views and make thoughtful contributions. As a result, pupils are very confident and articulate, with a highly secure understanding of what they have been taught.

Disadvantaged pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve extremely well. This is because, in every subject, there is careful consideration of where pupils may need extra help and what this should look like. Teachers routinely check and assess pupils' understanding and use this information to shape their teaching accordingly.

Skilled staff provide catch-up sessions, which help pupils to learn and be ready to learn more. The school ensures that any pupils who need specialist support for their mental health and well-being receive it. The level of pastoral care offered by the school is impressive.

Pupils' behaviour in lessons and during social times is excellent. Pupils learn that everyone has the right to learn, be respected and be safe. They understand these rights and enact them daily.

Attendance is high for all pupils. Where it falls below expected levels, the school offers support to ensure that pupils' attendance improves.The provision for pupils' personal development is exceptional.

Pupils benefit from very well-considered opportunities outside of the curriculum. The leadership roles on offer at the school are particularly impressive. Pupils learn the skills of effective leadership through such roles as cyber ambassadors and road safety officers.

As a result, pupils become confident and resilient citizens. Through the curriculum, pupils also gain an in-depth knowledge of current issues, such as diversity and equality. Pupils learn that 'you can be who you want to be'.

Governors have a detailed and accurate understanding of the school's many strengths. Leaders at all levels work together very effectively so that pupils realise the school's vision.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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