Isleham Church of England Primary School, located in Ely, Cambridgeshire, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on January 12 and 13, 2022. The school is characterized by a positive and welcoming atmosphere where pupils feel safe and enjoy their learning experiences. Students report that friendships are easily formed, and they appreciate the warm relationships they have with adults in the school. The school promotes Christian values, fostering confidence and cooperation among pupils.
The leadership team has high expectations for all students, focusing on nurturing their talents and interests. A variety of extracurricular activities are available, including music lessons, which allow pupils to engage in different forms of learning. The school motto, Let your light shine, is actively lived out by the students. In lessons, pupils demonstrate a strong work ethic and take pride in their achievements, largely due to the engaging teaching methods employed by their educators.
Pupils are aware of the various forms of bullying and report that such incidents are rare within the school. They reflect on their behavior and strive to be kind and considerate to others. Parents express satisfaction with the school, with many describing it as amazing. The school’s leadership and staff are committed to providing an ambitious curriculum, and there is a strong sense of teamwork among the staff, who collaborate effectively to ensure quality education for all students.
The curriculum is designed to be ambitious and suitable for the pupils, with clear plans outlining the knowledge and skills to be acquired over time. However, there are areas, such as history, where further development is needed to clarify the learning objectives across topics. In the early years, while much of the curriculum is well thought out, there are some areas, like understanding the world, that require more attention to ensure a smooth transition into Year 1.
Teachers provide clear explanations and engage pupils' interests through varied teaching methods, which aids retention of knowledge. For instance, younger pupils effectively use technical terms in music, while older students demonstrate a solid understanding of scientific concepts. Staff regularly assess pupils' understanding during lessons, adapting their teaching as necessary. However, in some subjects, the assessment practices are still developing, which limits leaders' understanding of pupil progress.
Pupils show enthusiasm for reading, making thoughtful choices about their books and enjoying the reading spaces created in classrooms. Phonics instruction begins early, and staff provide additional support for those who struggle, ensuring that all pupils become fluent readers.
The school has effective systems in place for identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have equal access to learning opportunities. Pupils take on various responsibilities that enhance their understanding of community, and initiatives like the school council and junior travel ambassadors promote a sense of responsibility and safety awareness.
Governors are well-informed about the school and hold leaders accountable, working closely with staff to align with the school’s vision. Safeguarding measures are robust, with thorough checks during staff recruitment and regular training for all staff to recognize and respond to potential risks to pupils.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects of the curriculum that need refinement to ensure that key knowledge is clearly defined and retained in pupils' long-term memory. Leaders should focus on enhancing assessment practices across all subjects to better gauge pupil understanding and retention of knowledge.