Cold Norton Primary School, located in Chelmsford, Essex, was inspected on March 19 and 20, 2024. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, maintaining a positive trajectory since its last inspection, which was outstanding twelve years ago. The school has experienced significant changes in staffing and leadership, with a new headteacher appointed in September 2022. The inspection highlighted the school’s commitment to providing a safe and caring environment where pupils feel valued and respected.
Pupils expressed high levels of satisfaction with their school, noting that adults treat everyone fairly and listen to their opinions. The school promotes healthy living and encourages pupils to take leadership roles in initiatives that matter to them, such as campaigns for healthy snacks. Playtimes are characterized by a variety of activities that foster social interaction among pupils of different ages, contributing to a positive school culture. However, the report noted that behavior in some lessons could improve, as some pupils occasionally become distracted and do not engage fully with their work.
The quality of education at Cold Norton Primary School is also rated as good. Leaders have identified areas of the curriculum that require improvement and are actively implementing changes. While many subjects have well-structured plans that help staff understand how pupils' knowledge should develop, there are still areas where recent curriculum changes have not yet been fully embedded. Some teachers are still adapting to new content, which affects the overall learning experience for pupils. The school is committed to ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive the necessary support to succeed.
The introduction of a new phonics program has been well received, with pupils in Reception enjoying learning new sounds and applying them in reading and writing. The school has established a reading buddy system that encourages peer support and fosters a love for reading. Additionally, the well-stocked libraries provide a wide range of books for pupils to explore at home.
In the early years, children demonstrate good focus and effort during tasks, although there are instances where transitions between activities can lead to a loss of concentration. The school has made efforts to promote positive behavior, and when expectations are clearly communicated, pupils respond well. However, there are occasions when low-level off-task behavior is not addressed promptly, which can disrupt learning.
The school places a strong emphasis on the personal development of pupils, instilling values that promote kindness and respect for diversity. Pupils learn about various religions and the importance of understanding and combating racism. Extracurricular activities, such as clubs and trips, further enhance their character development and understanding of the world.
Staff morale is high, and leaders are attentive to their well-being and workload. The governing body is supportive of the changes being implemented and recognizes that time is needed for these improvements to take effect. The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and their welfare is prioritized.
To improve further, the school must ensure that all staff receive the necessary training to effectively deliver the new curriculum and maintain high expectations for pupil behavior. Addressing off-task behavior swiftly and consistently will enhance the learning environment for all pupils. Overall, Cold Norton Primary School is on a positive path, with a strong foundation for continued growth and improvement.
