Townley Primary School, located in Christchurch, Wisbech, has undergone a significant transformation since its previous inspection in March 2018, moving from a grade of Requires Improvement to an overall effectiveness rating of Good. The inspection conducted on 29 and 30 March 2022 highlighted the positive experiences of pupils, who express enjoyment in attending school and a strong desire to remain until the end of Year 6. The trusting relationships between pupils and staff contribute to a conducive learning environment, preparing students well for their future endeavors.
Pupils demonstrate respect and care for one another, celebrating diversity and showing empathy towards their peers. Their behavior is commendable both in lessons and during playtime, with instances of needing reminders about behavior being quickly resolved. The school has effectively addressed past bullying issues, and pupils feel safe, knowing whom to approach for help with any concerns.
Parents have expressed high levels of satisfaction with the support provided by staff, particularly during the pandemic and the transition back to in-person learning. The nurturing ethos of the school is a key factor in attracting families, with many choosing to travel to Townley for their children's education.
The school has implemented an ambitious curriculum that caters to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is structured into manageable steps, facilitating the application of new knowledge and skills. However, some subjects, such as modern foreign languages, require further development to ensure that lessons are appropriately challenging and ambitious.
In the early years, children establish strong relationships with their caregivers, and their social and emotional needs are met through engaging experiences. While the curriculum is generally well delivered, there are occasions when the clarity of teaching objectives could be improved, particularly in areas like knowledge and understanding of the world.
Reading instruction is a strong point at Townley, with children learning phonics effectively from the start of their education. Additional support sessions for pupils needing to catch up have proven successful, enabling them to access the curriculum in key stage 2. The introduction of new vocabulary is emphasized, allowing pupils to incorporate these words into their learning.
The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs, ensuring that their learning plans are appropriate and effectively delivered by trained staff. Various teaching methods are employed to build confidence in sharing new knowledge, allowing these pupils to engage with the intended curriculum successfully.
Behavior at Townley is consistently good, with pupils attentive in lessons and moving calmly around the school. Peer mediation training equips students to support their classmates, and staff utilize their training to manage any challenging behavior effectively, minimizing disruptions to learning.
Leaders prioritize the personal development of pupils, who articulate their future career aspirations confidently. Enriching experiences, such as trips to museums and residential outings, enhance their learning and help them connect past experiences to current studies.
The governing body plays an active role in monitoring the school's policies and procedures, ensuring accountability while supporting staff and leaders. They have collaborated with local authority advisers to address priority areas identified in the previous inspection, focusing on improving the quality of education.
The safeguarding arrangements at Townley are effective, with staff well-versed in procedures and pupils aware of whom to approach with concerns. The personal, social, health, and education curriculum provides opportunities for discussions on safety and healthy relationships.
To continue improving, the school must address areas of the curriculum that are not as ambitious as others, ensuring that all staff understand the expectations and can deliver the curriculum to the intended standard. Additionally, leaders should clarify the specific vocabulary and concepts that children need to learn, ensuring they are well-prepared for future educational stages.
