Collingham Lady Elizabeth Hastings’ Church of England Primary School is recognized as a good school, providing a nurturing and supportive environment for its pupils. The school fosters a strong sense of community, where everyone knows each other well, creating a familial atmosphere. Pupils, parents, and carers express a deep sense of belonging, contributing to a positive school culture. The leadership team maintains high expectations for all students, resulting in commendable achievements, particularly in reading and mathematics. Teachers engage students with interesting and stimulating lessons, which encourages regular attendance and enthusiasm for learning.
The school’s Christian ethos is evident throughout its operations, with pupils embodying the values of resilience, equality, service, positivity, empathy, choice, and togetherness. Older students take on leadership roles, such as lunchtime leaders, effectively supporting younger peers and serving as role models. This collaborative spirit enhances the overall school experience, promoting a safe and happy environment. Pupils exhibit exceptional behavior and report a lack of bullying incidents, with confidence in staff to address any concerns swiftly.
Parents express satisfaction with the quality of education, highlighting their children’s love for school and their overall flourishing in this environment. The headteacher, along with the senior leadership team, is dedicated to providing a well-rounded education. They have successfully transformed the curriculum to be ambitious and inspiring, integrating various subjects through thematic connections. The curriculum drivers of environment, diversity, spirituality, and initiative are thoughtfully incorporated, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for their future.
In the early years, children quickly adapt to established routines and receive attentive care from staff. They are provided with ample opportunities to develop their reading and writing skills, as well as their mathematical understanding. The emphasis on reading is significant, with a new phonics approach implemented effectively. This has led to pupils learning to read with fluency and accuracy, and those who struggle receive additional support.
Subject leaders have identified essential knowledge and skills for each subject, ensuring that pupils learn in a structured manner. However, in some subjects like history and design technology, the curriculum has not been fully implemented as intended, resulting in gaps in knowledge retention. Teachers have not received adequate subject-specific training, and assessments in these areas need improvement to better gauge pupil understanding.
Teachers are committed to making the curriculum accessible to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The personal development of pupils is a notable strength, with the curriculum supporting their social and emotional growth. Pupils learn about safety, health, and the importance of equality, demonstrating respect and tolerance towards one another. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities and educational trips, enriching the overall learning experience.
Governors play an active role in the school, understanding its strengths and areas for improvement. They hold school leaders accountable and prioritize staff wellbeing, fostering a supportive work environment. The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with a strong culture of vigilance among staff. Leaders ensure that staff are well-trained and aware of potential risks, collaborating with external agencies to support pupils and their families.
Overall, Collingham Lady Elizabeth Hastings’ Church of England Primary School continues to provide a good quality of education, with a strong emphasis on personal development and community values. The school is well-positioned to address the identified areas for improvement, ensuring that all pupils receive the education they deserve.
