Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Padfield Community Primary School on 18 September 2018, following its previous judgment of good in January 2015. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team, under the guidance of Headteacher Ms. Anne Moore, has effectively upheld the school's vision of learning, discovering, and having fun. Pupils express enjoyment in attending school and take pride in their involvement. The teaching staff create engaging and energetic lessons, which contribute to the positive learning environment.
The leadership team, along with senior staff and governors, possesses a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas needing improvement. Their evaluation of the school's performance is accurate, focusing on the right aspects for enhancement. Pupils demonstrate a strong sense of safety within the school, both in physical and online environments, and they know how to seek help if needed. The behavior of pupils is commendable, with bullying being reported as exceptionally rare. This observation aligns with the inspector's findings during the visit. Pupils collaborate well, enjoy their time together, and appreciate the support from playground buddies and ambassadors.
Parents hold a positive view of the school, with many expressing satisfaction with the staff's dedication to understanding the children. The school's induction process for new students is well-received, and parents value the regular updates on school news and events. Attendance rates for pupils have consistently exceeded national averages over the past four years. Although there was a significant number of exclusions in 2016, the measures implemented since then have proven effective in preventing recurrence.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive tailored support, enabling them to make good progress and fully participate in classroom activities. Staff members take pride in their work and express confidence in the leadership. They unanimously agree that behavior is well managed, teaching is effectively led, and pupils are kept safe.
Most teachers utilize questioning and assessment effectively, challenging pupils and facilitating their learning. However, some pupils, particularly the most able, sometimes engage in work that is too easy before progressing to more challenging tasks. The governing body demonstrates a solid understanding of the school's performance and collaborates closely with leaders to ensure that improvement actions yield positive results. The local authority provides valuable support and challenge, aiding the school in achieving its improvement goals.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with the leadership ensuring that all arrangements are appropriate. Detailed records are maintained, and staff promptly share concerns, allowing for swift action to ensure pupil safety. The governing body is well-informed about safeguarding responsibilities, with regular visits to monitor compliance with policies and procedures.
The inspection highlighted improvements in the phonics screening check for Year 1 pupils, with all meeting the expected standard in 2018. Pupils show enthusiasm for mathematics, although some are assigned work that does not match their ability, particularly the most able. The school has identified weaknesses in pupils' understanding of key mathematical concepts, which are now part of the improvement plan. The school's improvement strategies are comprehensive and aligned with its vision, with governors actively monitoring progress. The detailed plan for the use of funding for disadvantaged pupils demonstrates a commitment to ensuring their good progress. The next steps for the school include enhancing mathematics standards and ensuring that all pupils are consistently challenged in their work.
