Following the short inspection of Cam Hopton Church of England Primary School on 14 March 2019, it has been confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good standard of education. The leadership team has effectively upheld the quality of education since the last inspection in May 2015. Under the leadership of Mrs. Rebecca Harris, who has been in post for just over two years, the school has transitioned from a period of instability marked by frequent changes in headteachers and staffing challenges. Mrs. Harris has successfully restored staff morale and established a stable environment conducive to learning.
The leadership team has set high expectations for both staff and pupils, clearly communicating their vision for the school’s future. This ambition is shared among the staff, who are committed to helping pupils achieve their best in line with the school’s motto of Life in all its fullness. The positive school culture is reflected in the responses from staff, who unanimously agree that the environment is aspirational for all pupils.
Governors have played a crucial role in supporting the leadership team, enhancing their effectiveness since the previous inspection. The governing body, composed of experienced and new members, has taken on a more active role in shaping the school’s strategic plans and holding leaders accountable for the achievement of various pupil groups. The collaboration with the local authority and external sources has further strengthened the school’s provision, with leaders being receptive to feedback and recommendations.
The school is recognized as a welcoming and inclusive environment where pupils are treated with respect. Behaviour is consistently good, and pupils demonstrate a sense of loyalty and pride in their school. They feel safe and supported, with staff readily available to address any concerns. The inspection highlighted that bullying is rare, and pupils are knowledgeable about online safety.
The inspection focused on key areas, including safeguarding effectiveness and the actions taken to improve pupil achievement. Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff receiving appropriate training and governors actively involved in oversight. Pupils are aware of how to keep themselves safe, particularly online, and they express confidence in the support available to them.
Teaching quality across the school is consistently good, with staff adept at meeting the diverse needs of pupils. Engaging and stimulating activities foster a positive learning atmosphere, and classrooms are vibrant learning spaces. The effective use of pupil premium funding has contributed to the success of disadvantaged pupils, with targeted initiatives in place to support their engagement and progress.
While pupils demonstrate strong progress in core subjects, some foundation subjects require further development to ensure that pupils acquire deeper knowledge and skills. Attendance rates have improved, aligning with national averages, although there is a need to enhance attendance for pupils with special educational needs who do not have an education, health, and care plan.
The school has made significant strides since the last inspection, addressing previous areas for improvement effectively. The current focus is on ensuring that all pupils have opportunities to deepen their knowledge in foundation subjects and to enhance their writing skills across the curriculum. Overall, the school is well-positioned to continue its trajectory of improvement and success.
