Cromford Church of England Primary School, located in Matlock, Derbyshire, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on November 2 and 3, 2022. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community, where pupils express enjoyment in attending due to the close-knit environment. Parents appreciate the caring ethos of the school, highlighting its welcoming atmosphere. New pupils settle in quickly, supported by staff who encourage the development of individual talents and interests. The school offers a variety of clubs and activities, including sports, music, and crafts, which utilize outdoor spaces for engaging activities like den-building. Older pupils take pride in organizing clubs for younger students, fostering personal and social skills.
Behaviour at the school is commendable, with pupils treating each other with kindness and respect. They feel safe and report minimal instances of teasing or bullying, confident that staff will address any issues promptly. Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning, enjoying lessons and appreciating the clarity of teachers' explanations. They know how to seek help when needed, contributing to a supportive learning environment.
The school has made significant strides since the last inspection, particularly in curriculum development. Leaders have restructured the curriculum to clearly outline the knowledge and skills pupils should acquire across subjects. The approach to mixed-age classes has been effectively managed, allowing pupils to learn alongside peers from different year groups. However, the systematic monitoring of the curriculum's impact on pupil learning remains an area for improvement, as leaders currently lack a comprehensive overview of pupil knowledge retention across subjects.
Reading has been a focal point for improvement, as previous cohorts struggled to become fluent readers. Leaders have revised the teaching of early reading and phonics, addressing inconsistencies in instruction. Most staff have received training in phonics, and pupils now read books that align with their phonics knowledge. Early signs indicate that these efforts are positively influencing reading outcomes.
In mathematics, the curriculum is well-structured, enabling pupils to build strong foundational knowledge and skills. Teachers promptly address misunderstandings, ensuring that pupils can apply prior knowledge to new concepts. The support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is robust, allowing them to fully engage with the curriculum and participate in school life.
The early years provision is strong, with children learning alongside older pupils in a mixed-age setting. Staff plan activities that promote development across all learning areas, quickly identifying specific needs for further growth. For instance, children enhance their cutting skills through engaging activities in the outdoor area.
Pupils' personal development is well-supported, with an emphasis on equality and cultural diversity. They learn about different cultures and are encouraged to uphold the school's Christian values alongside British values of respect and tolerance. Leaders and governors share a vision for high achievement among all pupils, with governors actively involved in school life. However, they plan to increase formal visits to better assess the impact of leadership actions.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of care for pupil well-being. Staff are well-trained and collaborate with external agencies when necessary. Pupils learn about safety, including online safety and healthy relationships, in an age-appropriate manner.
To enhance the school's effectiveness, leaders need to systematically monitor the implementation and impact of the curriculum. Additionally, ensuring consistency in the delivery of the early reading program will be crucial for sustaining improvements in reading outcomes. Overall, Cromford Church of England Primary School demonstrates a commitment to fostering a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils.
