Coleham Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils flourish at this dynamic and highly engaging school that is at the heart of its community. This is a school where all pupils are expected to be the best they can be, both academically and pastorally.

The school's vision 'for every child, an excellent education' is lived out throughout all aspects of school life.

Staff have the highest expectations for all pupils. Pupils are committed to their learning and produce work of a high quality.

They achieve exceptionally well.

Warm, nurturing working relationships between adults and pupils permeate the school. Staff know pupils well.

They show a genuine care for them. Pupils know that if they... have a worry, there is an adult who will listen to them. This means that they feel safe.

The school's ambition for pupils' education extends beyond the classroom and includes the school's comprehensive and thoughtful enrichment programme. This includes trips and visitors to enhance the curriculum and an extensive offer of after-school clubs. This captures pupils' imagination, developing their knowledge, skills, talents and interests.

Pupils contribute to the development of the school community through different pupil leadership roles. The school listens to pupils and values their opinions.

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

The school provides an aspirational curriculum that goes beyond the core knowledge and skills that need to be taught.

High-quality training for staff is made a priority. Consequently, staff teach all subjects confidently. They routinely check pupils' prior knowledge and provide opportunities for pupils to apply their learning to real-life concepts.

This includes creating artwork for their in-school art gallery, examining artefacts in the school's Victorian museum and being environmental activists in the local community. These experiences really deepen their learning.

The programme for early reading is well sequenced.

Adults are experts at teaching reading. Any pupils who may need extra support are quickly given the help they need to keep up. Books are carefully matched to the sounds that pupils know.

This means that pupils quickly learn to read with fluency. Developing a passion for reading is a priority for the school. Pupils have clearly embraced the exciting opportunities provided, such as choosing a book from the secret bookshelf, relishing the opportunity to read with younger pupils in Buddy Reading Time or learning from authors and illustrators who frequently visit the school.

Staff identify early and accurately the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Staff support pupils with SEND skilfully to access the same aspirational curriculum as other pupils. They also provide individual support targeted to pupils' needs.

Pupils with SEND achieve well.

The school is resolute in developing the whole child. It places the highest value in its personal development curriculum with a focus on careers running throughout.

The fantastic school grounds, including extensive outdoor play equipment, conservation area and 'little cubs' orchard, give pupils the opportunity to be active and inquisitive. Central to the school's approach is a set of values that underpins school life. Staff teach pupils how to be responsible and resilient and how to show respect to others.

Pupils learn about relationships and equality and diversity in an age-appropriate way. Pupils understand what it means to be an active citizen. They take part in charity work in support of the local community and enjoy reading to residents in a local retirement home.

High expectations for behaviour are clear and consistently applied through three rules, 'be kind, be respectful and work well'. Pupils receive appropriate support on the rare occasions when their behaviour does not match the high expectations of staff. Pupils have extremely positive attitudes to learning.

The school has robust procedures in place to support pupils to attend school regularly, and they do.

Children in the early years get off to an exceptional start. Staff have designed a carefully crafted curriculum, matched to children's needs, development and interests.

High levels of concentration and positive learning behaviours are quickly established. Staff help children expertly to think, talk and be active. Children develop a first-rate knowledge of important information on which to build for the rest of their lives.

Trustees and governors are extremely knowledgeable about the school. They use their experience well to challenge and support leaders. Staff receive regular and highly effective professional development.

They enjoy working at the school. The workload and well-being of all staff are carefully considered.

The school engages extremely well with the local community.

Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school. As one parent stated, 'This is an excellent community school which puts pupils at the heart of everything it does.'

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.