North Nibley CofE Primary School, located in Gloucestershire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on April 26, 2023. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils feel happy and secure, reflecting its vision to inspire and celebrate learning, achievement, faith, and fun. Parents express satisfaction with the commitment of the staff, noting that pupils experience a strong sense of belonging. The leadership team is ambitious for every pupil, ensuring that individual needs are met, including those of students with special educational needs and disabilities. This inclusive approach contributes to a thriving atmosphere for all learners.
The school promotes a culture of good behavior, with pupils demonstrating courtesy and motivation in their learning. Incidents of bullying are rare, and when they occur, staff address them promptly. Pupils engage in charitable activities, such as serving food at the community kitchen, showcasing their caring nature. They benefit from a variety of extracurricular opportunities, including sports tournaments, trips, and clubs that cater to diverse interests. Responsibilities such as being play shed monitors and school councillors further enhance their engagement and sense of community.
Curriculum development is a priority for the school, with leaders carefully planning what pupils need to learn and the sequence of instruction. In subjects like physical education, staff reinforce previous learning to build confidence and skills over time. However, in some areas, such as history and geography, curriculum development is still in progress, which affects the depth of knowledge pupils acquire. Leaders are actively working to identify essential knowledge in these subjects to enhance learning outcomes.
Writing skills have improved significantly, with teachers guiding pupils to recognize key features in texts and apply them in their writing. Pupils enjoy writing about their experiences, leading to high-quality work. In mathematics, children develop their understanding of numbers from an early age, using resources effectively to solve problems. While many pupils are supported in their reasoning and problem-solving skills, there is a need for all staff to enhance their expertise in this area to ensure consistent support for all learners.
The school has made significant strides in developing reading skills, with pupils learning phonics as soon as they start school. Staff are well-trained to identify gaps in pupils' knowledge and provide necessary support. Pupils express excitement about their favorite books and authors, indicating a strong reading culture within the school.
Pupils actively participate in their learning and demonstrate sensible behavior in lessons and throughout the school. From the early years, children learn routines and expectations, fostering independence. The curriculum includes important themes such as diversity, healthy living, and emotional well-being, with staff encouraging open communication and celebrating pupils' successes.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with leaders ensuring that staff are trained to identify and report concerns. Pupils are educated about safety, including online safety, and know they can approach adults with any worries. The school community is supportive, with staff feeling valued and proud to work at North Nibley.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Leaders need to identify key knowledge in all subjects to ensure consistent depth of understanding among pupils. Additionally, there are inconsistencies in how mathematics is taught, particularly in problem-solving and reasoning, which requires further attention to enhance overall pupil achievement. Overall, North Nibley CofE Primary School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational environment for its pupils.
