Fulbourn Primary School, located in Cambridge, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on October 4 and 5, 2022. The school fosters a warm and welcoming environment where strong relationships between pupils and staff are evident. Pupils feel secure, knowing they have trusted adults to turn to for support. Older students take on mentoring roles, which not only instills a sense of responsibility but also enhances the overall school community. The high expectations set by the staff encourage pupils to engage actively in their learning, enjoying various subjects such as art and history, while also participating in a range of enrichment activities like cooking and sports.
Behavior among pupils is commendable, with most demonstrating politeness and friendliness. They navigate the school calmly and orderly, contributing to a positive atmosphere. During playtime, pupils make good use of the well-equipped outdoor spaces and enjoy a variety of supervised activities, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle. The school’s leadership has meticulously planned the curriculum to cater to the diverse needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Teachers are well-trained, ensuring that pupils develop their skills and knowledge progressively. The effective use of strategies, such as the flip-flop structure, allows for high-quality instruction tailored to mixed-age classes.
Leaders have established robust systems for assessing pupils' understanding, enabling teachers to adapt their instruction based on individual needs. This approach ensures that pupils have ample opportunities to revisit and reinforce their learning. However, there is a need for leaders to ensure that all teachers consistently check for deep understanding of core content across all subjects to address any potential gaps swiftly.
Reading is prioritized within the school, with staff receiving high-quality training to identify and support pupils who may struggle with phonics. Daily reading activities and a well-stocked library foster a love for reading among pupils, who express enthusiasm for the stories shared by their teachers. The early years' leadership demonstrates a strong understanding of how to promote good progress in children's learning and development. Staff interactions with children are purposeful, and the well-equipped environment supports active learning, enhancing children's confidence and enjoyment.
While most pupils manage their behavior effectively, a small minority may disrupt learning at times. These pupils receive additional support from trained staff to help them regulate their behavior. The school actively engages with the community to provide a broad range of extracurricular activities, ensuring that all pupils have the opportunity to participate. This involvement helps develop their social skills, confidence, and overall well-being.
Governors play a vital role in supporting the school's leadership and management, and parents generally express positive views about their children's experiences. However, some parents desire clearer communication regarding their children's learning and upcoming activities. The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, ensuring that all staff are trained to identify and respond to any concerns regarding pupil safety. Leaders are proactive in securing help for pupils who may need additional support, and they ensure that pupils learn about staying safe in various contexts.
To enhance communication with families, leaders should review their procedures to ensure parents feel informed and confident about their children's education. Additionally, while core knowledge is well-defined in many subjects, leaders need to ensure that assessment procedures are consistently applied across all foundation subjects to confirm that pupils have learned the required content. Overall, Fulbourn Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
