The Croft Primary School, located in Painswick, Gloucestershire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on December 8, 2022. The school is characterized by a friendly and inclusive atmosphere where pupils are encouraged to develop into responsible and compassionate individuals. Students express pride in their school and report high levels of happiness and engagement in their learning experiences. The curriculum is designed to be adventurous, allowing pupils to explore the world around them. Support is readily available for those who require additional help, fostering a collaborative environment where students work and play well together.
Pupils report that bullying is infrequent and that staff take their concerns seriously. Leadership opportunities, such as becoming playground peacemakers, are embraced by students, contributing to their personal development and well-being. The school emphasizes the importance of community involvement, with pupils participating in charitable activities and forming connections with schools abroad, such as a recent partnership with a school in Ukraine. Trusting relationships between pupils and staff create a safe environment conducive to learning, where high expectations are upheld.
The school’s leadership has developed a curriculum that engages pupils effectively, with clear connections to local and global contexts. Teachers are well-informed about curriculum expectations and utilize this knowledge to facilitate successful learning experiences. A focus on essential vocabulary enhances pupils' understanding of their lessons. The curriculum is coherent and logically structured in most subjects, and staff are aware of the challenges faced by pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive appropriate support.
However, there are areas for improvement. In some subjects, teachers do not consistently assess pupils' understanding adequately, which can hinder the adaptation of learning to meet individual needs. This may prevent pupils from fully engaging with more complex aspects of the curriculum. Additionally, in a few subjects, the curriculum lacks comprehensive development, leading to gaps in pupils' knowledge. Leaders need to clarify the essential knowledge that pupils should acquire to ensure effective teaching.
The reading curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, providing a strong foundation for early readers. Staff ensure that pupils practice reading with appropriately leveled books, and those who struggle receive timely support to help them catch up. This approach fosters fluency and vocabulary expansion, with pupils expressing a love for reading and being exposed to a diverse range of texts.
Beyond academics, the school offers a variety of extracurricular activities and community engagement opportunities, enhancing pupils' independence and awareness of their surroundings. High behavioral expectations are met with positive responses from pupils, contributing to a calm and purposeful learning environment. Governors play an active role in holding school leaders accountable, ensuring that all pupils have access to educational opportunities.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff receiving regular training to recognize signs of abuse and neglect. Pupils are educated on safety in various contexts, including online safety, and know whom to approach with concerns. Overall, while The Croft Primary School demonstrates many strengths, addressing the identified areas for improvement will further enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
