Teversham CofE VA Primary School, located in Cambridge, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 23 and 24, 2022. The school provides a nurturing environment where pupils feel safe and happy. The strong sense of care from adults contributes significantly to the well-being of the students, allowing them to thrive academically despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. The school’s remote learning program was noted for its thoroughness and supportiveness, demonstrating the commitment of the leadership to maintain high educational standards.
The school is characterized by a strong Christian ethos that influences the expectations set by the leaders and the values upheld within the community. Respect is a central theme, and pupils exhibit tolerance and care towards one another, both in the classroom and throughout the school grounds. The behavior of students is commendable, with orderly yet relaxed breaktimes where they enjoy the extensive outdoor spaces and social interactions with peers. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, they are addressed promptly. Pupils are educated about the nature of bullying, including online and prejudice-based forms, and they are aware of the appropriate channels for reporting concerns.
Teversham CofE VA Primary School offers a variety of clubs and activities that support the personal development of pupils, which are well-received by the students. The quality of education remains strong, having been maintained since the last inspection in January 2017. The school has made progress in addressing areas identified for development in previous inspections, although some improvements have been slower than anticipated.
The curriculum has been reviewed to ensure that it meets the needs of the pupils, with clear plans outlining the knowledge to be acquired in each subject. Core subjects such as English and mathematics are taught effectively, while the wider curriculum is being implemented more fully. However, there are challenges in subjects like history and geography, where the work may not always align with the varying needs of pupils, leading to some students finding the content either too challenging or too easy.
Reading is prioritized, with leaders striving to instill a love of reading among all pupils. The school employs a ‘battle of the books’ initiative to encourage engagement with quality texts, and phonics is systematically taught from the early years. The curriculum for early years is well-structured, incorporating both targeted and free-choice activities that cater to the interests of the children.
The leadership team is well-acquainted with the pupils and their families, fostering an inclusive environment where individual needs are promptly identified and addressed. The commitment of the headteacher, deputy headteacher, staff, and governors to the achievement of all pupils is evident. Opportunities for wider engagement outside the classroom are plentiful, including various clubs and physical education sessions.
Governors play an active role in the school’s continuous improvement, providing both challenge and support to the leadership team. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a culture of vigilance ensuring that pupils are kept safe. Staff are well-trained in safeguarding procedures, and policies are regularly reviewed to stay current with best practices.
While the school excels in many areas, there is a need for improvement in the assessment of pupils’ work in subjects beyond English and mathematics. Leaders are encouraged to enhance the effectiveness of assessment in these areas to better tailor the educational experience to the needs of all pupils. Overall, Teversham CofE VA Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its students.
