Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Pimperne Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School on 26 September 2018, following its previous judgment of good in November 2014. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team, under Mrs. Fiona Waller, has high expectations for both pupils and staff, demonstrating ambition for the school and a commitment to continuous improvement in teaching and learning.
The senior leadership team is highly dedicated and collaborates effectively to enhance pupil outcomes. Their efforts have significantly raised pupils' achievement, particularly in reading and mathematics, where results from the 2018 key stage two tests indicated exceptionally strong progress, placing the school in the top five percent nationally. The leadership team has a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement, successfully addressing previous inspection recommendations while enhancing the quality of writing instruction.
The school is vigilant in monitoring pupil achievement and swiftly implements targeted actions to address any decline. There is a recognized need to elevate expectations for writing in the early years to ensure more children exceed the early learning goals. Additionally, the progress of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, especially those with low starting points, requires further strengthening.
Governors provide robust support and challenge to the leadership team, demonstrating a strong understanding of the school's strengths and weaknesses. Their commitment to school improvement is evident, and they undertake their responsibilities with enthusiasm and diligence. The staff team is hardworking and dedicated, with all surveyed staff expressing pride in their work and appreciation for the support they receive from leadership.
Pupils exhibit positive behavior, being welcoming and polite, which reflects their good progress and positive attitudes toward learning. Feedback from parents and carers is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the staff's efforts to ensure children feel happy, safe, and well cared for. Parents appreciate the inclusive environment fostered by the school, noting the visibility and approachability of staff.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with a strong culture of safety established within the school. Staff are well-trained in safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring they can identify potential abuse signs promptly. The leadership team maintains strong relationships with local agencies to support pupil well-being, and records indicate vigilance in addressing concerns.
The inspection findings included an evaluation of leaders' actions to ensure strong progress in mathematics for all pupils, including the most able and disadvantaged. The school has implemented effective training and support for teachers, resulting in improved pupil fluency and accuracy in mathematics. Additionally, leaders have introduced strategies to enhance independent writing in early years, leading to better progress and resilience among children.
However, while improvements in writing are noted, there is still a need for children to apply their skills consistently to exceed early learning goals. The school is also focused on enhancing support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they make strong progress from their starting points. Overall, the inspection highlighted the school's commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils, with clear next steps identified for further development in writing and SEN provision.
