Cedars Primary School, located in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 25-26, 2021. The school fosters an environment where pupils thrive, demonstrating a genuine enthusiasm for learning. Teachers instill a joy for education, encouraging students to articulate their knowledge and skills confidently. Younger pupils particularly enjoy the diverse range of books they are learning to read, showcasing their growing fluency and confidence.
The school is characterized by a culture of consistency and kindness, with high expectations set for both academic performance and behavior. This supportive atmosphere allows pupils to respond positively to the expectations placed upon them, which are gradually increased as they progress from Nursery to Year 6. The staff's consistent approach to behavior management and academic support contributes significantly to the pupils' overall success.
The school's values, encapsulated in the ‘Cedars’ Way’, promote mutual support and friendship among pupils. The environment is safe and nurturing, with most parents expressing confidence in the school's ability to handle rare instances of bullying effectively. Parents have praised the school for its efforts, especially during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, with one parent noting that their child is likely to have a brighter future due to the school's dedication.
Cedars Primary School continues to evolve positively, with a palpable sense of purpose and excitement evident in daily activities. The leadership team has developed an ambitious curriculum that caters to all pupils, continually refining it to ensure staff are well-equipped to deliver it effectively. Early reading and mathematics are particularly strong areas, fostering a love of learning and enabling pupils to acquire detailed knowledge and skills. Leaders are also focused on enhancing other subjects, such as science, to ensure that pupils retain essential knowledge beyond just engaging experiments.
Teachers and teaching assistants possess a deep understanding of how to support pupils' learning, systematically assessing what pupils know and what they need to learn next. The support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is notably robust, with the special educational needs coordinator effectively guiding staff in adapting learning activities to meet individual needs.
From the outset, pupils are taught to read, engaging with sounds and words in a way that fosters enjoyment. The phonics program is implemented with fidelity, ensuring that pupils read books they can decode, which builds their confidence as readers. The high expectations set by leaders contribute to pupils achieving commendable results, with effective measures in place to address any learning gaps resulting from the pandemic.
Leaders are committed to broadening pupils' understanding of the world, recognizing the importance of teaching diversity and its relevance to modern British life. While there are efforts to instill fundamental British values, there is still work to be done to ensure these concepts are fully integrated into the school culture.
The school prioritizes the well-being of both staff and pupils, providing high-quality training and fostering effective communication among all stakeholders. Staff feel supported and proud to be part of the school community, which enhances their ability to provide the best for their pupils.
The safeguarding arrangements at Cedars Primary School are effective, with a strong culture of vigilance and responsiveness among staff. Leaders meticulously document their actions and maintain open communication with families and external agencies, advocating passionately for their pupils' needs.
To further improve, the school should continue refining its curriculum to ensure that pupils consistently secure and retain the intended knowledge across all subjects. Additionally, promoting diversity and embedding it within the school culture will enhance pupils' understanding of life in modern Britain, ensuring they are well-prepared for the future.
