Pauntley Church of England Primary School is a welcoming and happy environment where the values of friendship, respect, and courage are actively promoted. The recent inspection conducted on May 10 and 11, 2023, rated the school as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. This marks a significant improvement from the previous inspection, which found the school requiring improvement.
The school is characterized by a strong sense of community, with staff and pupils fostering positive relationships. Pupils exhibit pride in their school and understand the high expectations set by their teachers, leading to commendable behaviour and positive attitudes towards learning. The staff are dedicated to the well-being of the pupils, ensuring they feel safe and supported. Instances of bullying are rare, and pupils are encouraged to communicate any concerns they may have.
Personal development is a notable strength of the school, with a variety of opportunities available for pupils to explore their interests, including activities like archery and performing arts. Older students gain independence and confidence through residential trips, while younger pupils engage in creative projects that enhance their learning experiences. Parents express satisfaction with the school, highlighting the family atmosphere and the commitment of staff to make learning enjoyable.
The leadership team has made significant strides since the last inspection, with the governing body and local authority providing effective support. Staff feel valued and supported, contributing to a positive working environment. The curriculum is ambitious and engaging, designed to inspire pupils and help them build essential knowledge and skills. However, in some subjects, the curriculum is still in the early stages of implementation, making it challenging to assess its full impact.
Pupils are encouraged to revisit prior learning, which aids in deepening their understanding of concepts. For instance, students in Years 3 and 4 effectively recall their knowledge of place value and multiplication to assist with division. Nevertheless, there is a need for improvement in how teachers utilize assessment to gauge pupils' existing knowledge, as this can lead to gaps in learning.
The school places a strong emphasis on fostering a love of reading among pupils. A diverse selection of books is available, and pupils are engaged when adults read to them. The phonics program is implemented effectively, enabling younger pupils to learn letter sounds from the outset. Older pupils are also given opportunities to enhance their reading skills, including comprehension and prediction.
Staff provide clear explanations of concepts, and pupils demonstrate attentiveness and perseverance in their work. Low-level disruption is uncommon, contributing to a conducive learning environment. Additionally, the school adapts learning for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive the necessary support to succeed.
Pupils are taught to be considerate and contribute positively to society, participating in initiatives such as caring for the environment and supporting local food banks. They take pride in their responsibilities, including roles on the school council.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding promoted by leaders. Staff are trained to recognize and report concerns, ensuring that pupils receive timely support when needed. The curriculum includes lessons on safety, with external visitors providing valuable insights on topics like online safety and healthy relationships.
To further enhance the school's effectiveness, leaders must ensure that assessment practices are improved to better understand pupils' prior knowledge and learning needs. Additionally, the curriculum in certain subjects requires continued development to ensure that pupils consistently acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for their academic growth.
