Fletching Church of England Primary School is characterized by a warm and welcoming atmosphere, aligning with its vision of being a small school with big ideas. The school fosters a strong sense of community, where pupils feel like part of a family. They are provided with enriching experiences that extend beyond the standard curriculum, such as community gardening projects and collaborations with local care home residents. These initiatives contribute to the development of pupils' character and help them explore their talents and interests.
The leadership team maintains high expectations for all pupils, and staff across the federation of schools work collaboratively to enhance opportunities for students. The school values are integrated into the curriculum, ensuring that pupils receive meaningful and relevant educational experiences. This approach equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge for their future endeavors.
Pupil behavior is commendable, attributed to established routines that clarify expectations. Students enjoy their break times and engage positively with one another. In instances of bullying, staff respond promptly to resolve issues, ensuring that pupils feel safe and supported. The school encourages open communication, allowing students to express concerns through a worry box or by speaking to trusted adults.
The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, with effective subject leadership and knowledgeable teachers. From early years onward, educators focus on building essential knowledge, catering for the needs of disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs. Teachers adapt lessons to maximize student outcomes, resulting in a solid foundation of knowledge and skills across the curriculum.
Leaders utilize current educational research to inform practice and provide staff training. Teachers creatively encourage pupils to reflect on their learning, helping them connect past knowledge to current lessons. However, opportunities for pupils to reflect on more distant learning are limited, which can lead to gaps in retention. The quality of work produced by pupils varies across subjects, and leaders need to ensure that monitoring of learning is consistent to maintain high standards.
The reading curriculum is well-structured, with a strong emphasis on phonics for younger pupils. As students progress, teachers create an environment that fosters fluency and a love for reading. Support is provided for those who fall behind, enabling them to catch up effectively. The skills learned in reading lessons are applied to enhance spelling and writing across the curriculum.
The school excels in personal development, offering rich opportunities for pupils to engage with local and global issues. The school goes beyond expectations to cultivate responsible and respectful citizens. Pupils have a voice in school matters, exemplified by their involvement in the pupil parliament, which addresses issues of disability and diversity. There is a strong participation in extracurricular activities, with disadvantaged pupils prioritized for club memberships, ensuring they benefit from these enriching experiences.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to recognize risks and act swiftly on concerns. Pupils are educated on online safety, fostering a strong culture of safeguarding throughout the school.
To improve, leaders must enhance the monitoring of pupils' learning across all subjects to ensure consistent quality in their work. This will help guarantee that pupils retain and build upon their knowledge over time, providing governors with an accurate picture of achievement. Overall, Fletching Church of England Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and nurturing environment for its pupils.
