Park Street CofE Primary School in Cambridge has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on January 24 and 25, 2023. The school is characterized by a welcoming environment where all pupils feel respected and valued. Students appreciate the diversity within the school, which broadens their perspectives. The small size of the school fosters a sense of safety, as all staff members know the pupils personally. The school promotes a culture of respect and safety, with clear rules that pupils understand and follow, leading to good behavior and a low incidence of bullying.
The curriculum at Park Street CofE Primary School is ambitious and designed to help pupils build knowledge over time while making connections across subjects. Teachers are well-informed about the knowledge pupils need to acquire, although some foundation subjects have recently been updated and require further assessment to ensure their effectiveness. Subject leaders are focusing on staff training, but they need more opportunities to evaluate the impact of their plans. In subjects that have been established longer, pupils demonstrate a strong recall of knowledge, and teachers actively check for understanding and address misconceptions.
Reading is prioritized at the school, with a structured approach to phonics and reading from the early years. Pupils read books that match their phonetic knowledge and engage with high-quality texts daily, which enhances their comprehension skills and vocabulary. Staff are quick to support any pupils struggling with reading, ensuring they catch up effectively.
The early years curriculum is well-structured, allowing children to grasp key mathematical concepts and recall knowledge across various subjects. However, there are instances where adults could further extend play activities to deepen children's understanding. Overall, behavior in the school is good, with older pupils serving as positive role models. Younger pupils engage well in lessons, allowing for uninterrupted learning.
Pupils have regular access to lessons and experiences that support their personal development, learning about health, friendship, and empathy. They participate in democratic processes through school council elections and learn about values that promote respect for one another. The school provides opportunities for quiet reflection and prayer, fostering a mature understanding of spirituality and equality among pupils.
Leadership at Park Street CofE Primary School is strong, with governors actively holding leaders accountable and supporting the school’s vision. Leaders are mindful of staff workload and prioritize their well-being, which contributes to a positive working environment. Parents express overwhelming positivity about the school, reflecting strong engagement between leaders and the community.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with robust systems in place to address any concerns swiftly. Staff receive regular training and are well-equipped to identify and report safeguarding issues. Pupils are educated on managing risks in various contexts, including online safety and understanding consent.
To improve, the school needs to ensure that subject leaders assess the impact of their curriculum designs more thoroughly, particularly in newly updated foundation subjects. Additionally, adaptations for pupils with special educational needs must be more effectively implemented to support their learning. Overall, Park Street CofE Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive environment for all its pupils.
