Tushingham With Grindley C of E Primary School in Cheshire has recently undergone an ungraded inspection, confirming its status as an outstanding school since its last graded inspection in December 2017. The inspection, conducted on November 7, 2023, revealed that while the overall judgment remains outstanding, there are indications that a graded inspection might yield a different outcome if conducted now. The school is noted for its welcoming environment, where pupils are described as polite, articulate, and happy. They enjoy learning and feel a strong sense of community, often referring to the school as a friendly and kind place. The school promotes its values through the 'Tushingham Way,' which emphasizes respect, generosity, compassion, perseverance, and forgiveness, shaping positive interactions among pupils and staff.
The school has high aspirations for all its pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils generally achieve well across most subjects, although there are some areas where the school is currently reviewing the curriculum to enhance knowledge retention. Pupils are eager to take on responsibilities, participating in roles such as junior safety officers and contributing to school assemblies, which fosters their confidence and leadership skills.
The curriculum is well-structured from Nursery through Year 6, with early years learning effectively preparing children for key stage 1. Staff are knowledgeable and receive adequate training to deliver the curriculum, particularly in mixed-age classes. Regular assessments help ensure that pupils retain what they have learned, although some subjects show gaps in knowledge recall among a minority of pupils. Reading is a significant focus, with a wide range of high-quality texts available to pupils, fostering a love for reading. However, the recent implementation of a phonics program has not yet fully addressed the needs of less confident readers, impacting their fluency and overall access to the curriculum.
The school is proactive in identifying and supporting pupils with additional needs, ensuring they have access to the same curriculum as their peers. A variety of extracurricular opportunities enrich pupils' development, including visits to cultural sites and participation in sports competitions. The school encourages respect for diversity and environmental awareness through outdoor learning experiences.
Staff morale is high, with teachers feeling supported and valued by school leaders who recognize the challenges of working in a small primary school. The governing body provides appropriate support and has made recent changes to enhance the effectiveness of their meetings, ensuring they adequately challenge the quality of education provided.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, contributing to a safe learning environment. The inspection highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all subjects have a consistent impact on pupils' learning and that additional support for early reading is optimized. The school is committed to addressing these areas to maintain its high standards and ensure that all pupils can achieve their full potential. Overall, Tushingham With Grindley C of E Primary School continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to educational excellence and the holistic development of its pupils.
