Ingrave Johnstone Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 3 and 4, 2024. The school fosters a harmonious community where pupils demonstrate positivity, kindness, and respect towards one another. The well-being of students is prioritized, contributing to high attendance rates as pupils enjoy their time at school, both for learning and socializing with friends. The school’s values, encapsulated in the acronym INGRAVE, empower students to develop resilience and kindness, which they proudly display through their values badges.
Pupil behavior is exceptional, rooted in a clear understanding of school rules and an inclusive culture. Open discussions about feelings with staff create a safe environment, allowing for timely support when challenges arise. The school promotes a love for reading, offering a diverse range of books that expose pupils to different cultures and perspectives. Leadership opportunities, such as being a student councillor, enable pupils to contribute to school improvements.
Extracurricular activities are abundant, with clubs like maths and coding enjoying high participation rates. Educational trips, including visits to significant landmarks like the Tower of London, enhance the learning experience. The curriculum is designed to prepare pupils for life beyond school, with a strong foundation established in the Reception Year that fosters confidence and resilience by Year 1.
The school has carefully considered the essential knowledge it aims to impart across various subjects, ensuring that this knowledge is logically sequenced to facilitate gradual learning. However, a few subjects require further refinement in their curriculum structure to enhance knowledge retention and understanding among pupils. While engaging activities are prevalent, the depth of knowledge in these subjects is not as robust as in others, indicating a need for improvement.
Teachers effectively select activities that build knowledge over time, regularly assessing pupil understanding to identify and address gaps. Support is tailored to meet the diverse needs of pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that all students achieve well. The reading curriculum is particularly well-structured, with trained staff guiding pupils from the Reception Year to develop essential reading skills. This support enables many pupils to gain confidence and enjoy the extensive range of books available in the school’s libraries.
The school’s behavior management approach is well understood and closely linked to its values. Staff model appropriate behavior and provide pupils with tools to articulate their feelings, fostering a focused learning environment. Older pupils play a supportive role, helping younger students and contributing to a positive school culture.
The personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum addresses vital topics such as online safety, diversity, and friendship building, aligning with the school’s Christian ethos. Connections with a school in Kenya broaden pupils' perspectives, promoting understanding and respect for diversity.
Strong relationships between staff and parents enhance the school community, with leadership being mindful of staff workload amid curriculum changes. Collaboration with local school networks enriches curriculum development, reflecting a commitment to providing the best learning experiences for pupils.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students. While the school has many strengths, it must continue refining its curriculum in certain subjects to clarify the knowledge to be taught and the sequence of instruction, thereby enhancing overall pupil learning outcomes.