• “The reading curriculum is well embedded. Teachers are early reading experts.

• Children start to learn the sounds that letters make in the early years. The books that pupils read are closely matched to the sounds they know. This helps pupils become fluent and confident readers.”

• “In English, mathematics and reading, most teachers use their expert knowledge to teach the curriculum well. They use effective modelling and present new information clearly. The tasks that teachers choose match what pupils need to learn. As a result, pupils learn well.”

• “Pupils are keen to learn in all of the different subjects that they study. When teachers ask questions, many hands shoot up so they can engage with the learning.”

• “Pupils behave well. The school is calm and orderly. There are positive relationships between all staff and pupils.”

A real strength of the school was highlighted in our Early Years provision with Stepping Stones and Reception being praised for the high quality of education being provided:

• ‘Children in the early years and nursery get off to a flying start. Staff skilfully interact with children as they play, to develop their language and communication skills.

• Adults choose activities well to help pupils develop across all areas of learning. Children in the early years are very well prepared for the next stage.’

Other areas of strengths highlighted are: our SEND provision, safeguarding and the pupil’s moral development.

• “Pupils feel that the school is an inclusive environment where everyone is welcome and accepted. This helps pupils feel safe and happy.”

• “Leaders have ensured that they are ambitious for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils with SEND get the support they need to access the full curriculum. Teachers are well prepared with the understanding they need to help these pupils achieve. Teaching staff deploy additional adults well to make sure that pupils with SEND can achieve.”

• “The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Staff at this school are vigilant. Leaders have ensured that staff know the procedures they must follow when they have a concern about a pupil. Staff know that reporting small changes might help build a bigger picture that will help keep pupils safe.”

• “The school places much emphasis on pupils’ moral development. A strength of the school is the support it gives to pupils with social and emotional needs. The school helps build pupils’ strength of character.”

Reading, Writing, Maths, Early Years and SEND provision have been a significant focus for the school and us as a Trust over the last few years and the hard work of staff to develop these areas is evident.