Somersham Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

This is a school that inspires pupils to achieve more than they think is possible. Pupils helped to devise the school values of pride, honesty, kindness and determination.

These values match the vision of the trust and they are more than just words. They are part of the pupils' daily experience at this school.

Pupils study a carefully planned curriculum that starts in the early years.

This helps pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), to achieve exceptionally well. Pupils benefit from carefully planned teaching from highly skilled teachers. Pupils are highly motivated and strive to do their best.

Pupils enj...oy opportunities to voice their opinions about the school, and the school acts on these. For example, pupils suggest many of the enrichment activities that are then adopted. This encourages a strong sense of belonging and ensures pupils have opportunities to pursue their interests.

Pupils are always respectful, polite and considerate towards everyone in school. Their highly positive attitudes to learning are evident in the pride they take in their work. Pupils' attendance is high.

They behave impeccably both in lessons and at playtimes.

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

The school believes passionately that every pupil has the right to succeed. Staff feel inspired and are well supported to deliver a curriculum that is adapted to meet the needs of individuals.

The school and the trust leaders prioritise high-quality training for all staff. Staff work together to continually improve the quality of their teaching. Teachers have excellent knowledge of the subjects they teach.

They plan activities, provide clear explanations and question pupils skilfully. This helps pupils gain a secure understanding of the subjects they study. Pupils achieve highly in a wide range of subjects.

Starting in the Reception class, staff use their knowledge of individual pupils' learning to make sure that pupils have remembered important knowledge. Prompt, tailored support is provided for pupils who need help. The school carefully checks how well pupils learn in each subject and uses these checks to adapt lessons where appropriate.

Staff understand the importance of all pupils learning to read. They know that it is critical to pupils' future success. This work begins in the Reception class.

Children learn phonics right from the start. Staff have the expertise to teach reading very effectively. They ensure that books are well matched to the sounds that pupils have learned.

Pupils who find reading a challenge are well supported to develop their fluency and ability to read more challenging texts. Pupils speak enthusiastically about books and develop a genuine love of reading. They enjoy listening to the books that their teachers enthusiastically read with them.

The school's provision for pupils with SEND is highly effective. The school ensures that pupils with SEND receive appropriate and timely support. Teachers are skilled at adapting learning activities.

They ensure that pupils with SEND can access the curriculum and learn successfully alongside others.

Children get off to an exceptionally strong start in the Reception class. They are happy and settle quickly into the well-established routines and the calm environment.

Teachers plan inspiring activities that motivate children. They seize every opportunity to move children forward in their learning. Teachers provide a multitude of opportunities for children to practise what they learn.

This helps pupils develop the attitudes and knowledge needed for successful learning in Year 1.

Promoting pupils' personal development is at the heart of the school's curriculum. It is meaningfully threaded through all curriculum areas, as well as being taught on its own.

Pupils have a detailed understanding of healthy relationships. They respect the views of others. The school offers a wide range of extra–curricular clubs and activities.

These help to develop pupils' personal interests in areas such as sport, music, drama and nature. Many opportunities are provided for pupils to contribute to the community and to participate in educational trips. These enhance pupils' learning and allow them to enjoy experiences they might not otherwise get the chance to do.

The school and trust have set a shared vision that parents understand and are hugely appreciative of. Staff communicate with parents regularly. They are determined in their efforts to involve parents in their children's education as much as possible.

Trustees and the academy council have established a healthy mix of formal and informal systems to ensure the school provides a positive education for everyone. They regularly gather information, including the views of staff and pupils, to check that systems are working well.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Also at this postcode