South Farnham School (Infant Site)

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils at South Farnham School receive an excellent education.

The vision of 'the continual pursuit of excellence' is lived through all aspects of school life. There are the highest expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils achieve exceptionally well.

By the end of key stage 1 and key stage 2, outcomes in reading, writing and mathematics are well above the national average. Pupils also achieve consistently well in other subjects.

Pupils' behaviour is exemplary.

They are highly motivated, keen to learn and effective communicators. Teaching respect, good manners and morals is an integ...ral part of the school's successful approach to developing pupils' strength of character. Adults care deeply about pupils' well-being and do everything they can to support them.

Children get off to a brilliant start in Reception, where they are taught about positive learning behaviours.

Pupils feel safe here. They have trusted adults to whom they can talk.

Pupils know that staff value their views, which contribute to making the school an even better place. Pupils make a considerable contribution to the school and the community. They enjoy wide-ranging activities that develop and nurture their talents and interests.

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

Pupils learn exceptionally well. They study a highly ambitious and aspirational curriculum. Staff have precisely sequenced the most important knowledge that pupils need to learn and remember, from Reception to Year 6.

Consequently, pupils learn a strong body of knowledge systematically over time. The early years curriculum prepares children well for later learning.

Teachers have expert knowledge.

They proficiently explain concepts and essential vocabulary that pupils need to know. There is a consistent approach to teaching pupils to become self-assured learners. Pupils use subject-specific words when talking about what they are learning.

In mathematics, for example, pupils discuss confidently the differences between parallelograms and rhombuses. Teachers check for gaps in pupils' knowledge across the curriculum consistently. They then address these gaps using precisely planned support.

This consistent approach across the school ensures pupils remember knowledge effectively and over time.

There is a sharp focus on identifying and meeting the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND. Staff are skilful at adapting how the curriculum is delivered in a way that meets these different needs.

This helps pupils with SEND to access the curriculum successfully. Pupils produce work of a high standard, regardless of their needs.

Pupils have exemplary attitudes to learning and are intrinsically motivated to achieve their best.

Pupils' attendance is high. There are effective systems in place to support pupils to attend school regularly. Pupils have high levels of respect for each other and care for their peers.

They behave excellently during lessons, around the building and at breaktimes. Routines are well established, starting from Reception.

The school prioritises the teaching of phonics and reading.

Throughout the school, reading is skilfully threaded through the curriculum. In Reception, this starts with a secure focus on developing children's communication and language skills. Staff deliver the phonics programme with real expertise, because of the high-quality training they have received.

Children in the early years learn how to blend sounds confidently. Staff make sure that pupils quickly learn to read. Any pupils who fall behind receive support straight away to help them catch up.

The books that pupils read closely match the sounds that they are learning. Older pupils are eager to talk about how much they love to read. They enjoy reading a wide variety of texts.

The school's programme for pupils' personal development is excellent. Staff plan the wider curriculum opportunities precisely to enhance pupils' learning. Through the curriculum, pupils gain a strong understanding of diversity and equality.

Staff develop pupils' character exceptionally well. The extensive opportunities and the rich curriculum enable pupils to develop thoughtful moral views and strong empathy for others. They are superbly prepared to contribute positively to society as responsible, caring and compassionate citizens in modern Britain.

The school provides an extensive range of extra-curricular activities. Pupils participate in many sporting activities, including a school football team playing at Wembley Stadium. Pupils relish the opportunity to take on leadership roles, such as school council, art council and eco-council members.

Leaders at all levels are unwavering in their commitment to providing the excellent education that the school delivers. The school successfully provides a balanced approach to pupils' academic and personal development. Staff benefit from highly effective professional development and networking across the trust and beyond, enabling them to focus on pupils' needs.

They are exceptionally positive about the school's actions to consider their workload and well-being. Parents' views of the school are overwhelmingly supportive.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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