Tilstock CofE Primary and Nursery

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are proud of their school. They enjoy learning new things and playing with their friends.

Pupils feel safe and are adamant that any member of staff would help them if they had any problems. Pupils care about each other and understand the school's Christian values. One pupil summed this up for others by describing the school community as 'respectful'.

Pupils are polite and well mannered. They behave well in lessons and as they move around the school. Bullying is rare and pupils are confident that if it does happen, it will be sorted out quickly.

Pupils say everyone is welcome at the school.

Leaders are ambitious for all pupils, including those ...pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They have planned an exciting curriculum and expect all pupils to achieve as well as they can.

Pupils enjoy the opportunities they have to learn beyond the classroom. This includes learning outdoors, attending clubs and going on trips linked to the topics they are studying.

Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school.

Many parents consider that the school helps pupils to grow socially and emotionally as well as academically. Parents of pupils with SEND say that their children are well supported.

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

Leaders have planned a broad and balanced curriculum.

Plans set out what pupils will learn in each subject. The sequence of learning is planned carefully so that pupils can build on what they already know. Key themes are threaded throughout the curriculum to help pupils deepen their understanding.

For example, in history, the theme of monarchy helps pupils to understand how different leaders in the past made decisions that still affect life today.

Children begin to learn to read as soon as they join the school in the early years. Staff are well trained so that they know how to support pupils who are at the early stages of learning to read.

Extra support is provided for pupils who are at risk of falling behind. Pupils practice reading everyday using books that are matched to the sounds that they know. Staff are keen that pupils develop a love of reading.

They read to pupils regularly. Pupils talk knowledgeably about the books they have read and their favourite authors.

The school's new approach to mathematics means that pupils gain the right knowledge at the right time.

Pupils can apply what they have learned when they are talking about mathematics and solving problems. A love of mathematics starts in the early years where, for example, children learn songs that help them with counting.

Pupils enjoy taking part in subject-based quizzes and discussing what they have learned.

For example, pupils in Years 5 and 6 can share in detail what they knew about the different history topics they had studied in key stage 2. Leaders know there is more work to do to ensure that teachers always use their knowledge of what pupils know and can do when they are planning tasks.

Staff have a good knowledge of the needs of pupils with SEND.

These pupils are supported effectively. Pupils with SEND are included fully in all aspects of school life.

Staff and parents work in partnership when children join the early years.

This means that children settle quickly and get off to a great start with their learning. Staff focus on communication and language development. This ensures that children can talk confidently about their learning and cooperate well with each other.

Pupils understand the school rules and say that staff treat everyone fairly. Pupils behave well in lessons. There are some pupils who do not take enough pride in their work or try their very best.

Staff are working hard to ensure that all pupils have positive attitudes to their learning.

Leaders prioritise opportunities for pupils' wider development. Pupils learn about the different religions and cultures of the United Kingdom.

They are supported to know about life outside of their small village through the curriculum and educational visits. This included a whole school trip to Liverpool earlier this year. Pupils learn about the importance of fairness and equality through their work on fundamental British values.

Trust leaders provide very effective support for the school. Local governors know the school well and visit regularly. They provide support for leaders but also challenge them to ensure that all decisions are made in the best interest of pupils.

They are proud of the school's place at the heart of the village community. Staff enjoy working at the school. They feel supported and respected by leaders.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff receive training and updates regularly about safeguarding. They know how to report any concerns they have about a pupils' safety or well-being.

Leaders respond to any concerns quickly and work well with a range of agencies to ensure that pupils get the support they need.

Leaders make sure that relevant pre-employment checks are carried out before any member of staff can start work at the school.

Pupils learn how to keep themselves safe.

This includes using the internet safely and being aware of the risks that strangers can pose. Older pupils know what a safe relationship should feel like.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• Teachers do not always take into account what pupils already know and can do when they plan tasks for pupils.

This means that learning is not always matched to pupils' needs and abilities. As a result, some pupils do not make as much progress as they could. Leaders should continue with their work to develop how assessment is used across the school so that teachers use this information to plan tasks and activities that build on pupils' existing knowledge and skills.

• Some pupils' workbooks show that they do not have consistently positive attitudes to learning. Their work is sometimes poorly presented and unfinished. Leaders should support teachers to have consistently high expectations of all pupils so that pupils are encouraged and motivated to achieve as well as they can.