Purley CofE Primary School, located in Purley-on-Thames, Reading, Berkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 23, 2021. The school provides a nurturing environment where pupils feel happy and safe. The atmosphere is calm and cheerful, fostering kindness and thoughtfulness among students. Staff members are attentive to the personal needs of pupils, ensuring they feel supported and listened to, which contributes to their enjoyment of school life. High expectations for behavior and academic success are set by the staff, resulting in polite and courteous pupils who strive to do their best across various subjects.
Pupils exhibit good behavior both in lessons and throughout the school. They show respect for their peers and adults, and any instances of bullying or friendship issues are addressed promptly and fairly by the staff. The school offers a variety of clubs and enrichment activities that allow pupils to explore new interests, such as night walks to observe owls, which are well-received by the students.
The leadership team has developed an ambitious curriculum that enables pupils to learn effectively in many subjects. Subject leaders play a crucial role in ensuring that the curriculum is well-structured, helping pupils build knowledge and retain what they have learned. However, there are a few subjects where the planning is not as effective, leading to gaps in pupils' learning. Leaders are aware of this and are working to improve the sequencing of knowledge across all subjects.
Staff utilize information about pupils' achievements to inform lesson planning, ensuring that work is appropriately challenging. Teachers revisit previous learning when necessary, allowing pupils to solidify their understanding before progressing to new material. Reading is prioritized, with a strong emphasis on developing early communication and language skills in the early years. Staff are trained in phonics instruction, and assessments are conducted to match reading materials to pupils' phonics knowledge. Adjustments are made for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, enabling them to achieve well in reading.
The school has established clear rules that pupils follow without prompting, demonstrating their understanding of expected behavior. From a young age, children exhibit positive attitudes towards learning, and older pupils express enjoyment in their studies. The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs, ensuring their needs are met through appropriate staffing and resources. Collaboration with external agencies further enhances the support provided to these pupils.
The curriculum for personal, social, and health education is methodically planned, helping pupils understand themselves and the world around them. Pupils appreciate the additional opportunities provided by the school, including sports clubs that promote healthy lifestyles. They take pride in contributing to the school community through roles such as technology assistants and school councillors.
Staff express satisfaction with their work environment, noting that leaders assist in managing workloads effectively. The safeguarding arrangements at the school are robust, with a strong culture of safety maintained by well-trained staff who know how to report concerns. Leaders work closely with external agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of pupils.
While the school has many strengths, there is a need for improvement in the sequencing of knowledge in certain subjects, such as history, to enhance pupils' learning experiences. Overall, Purley CofE Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
