Clifford Primary School in Herefordshire has been recognized as a good school following an inspection on February 28, 2023. The school is characterized by a warm and friendly atmosphere where pupils and staff greet each other with enthusiasm, fostering positive relationships. The school community emphasizes a family-like environment, ensuring that all members look out for one another, which contributes to pupils feeling safe and secure.
The leadership team is dedicated to the success of every pupil, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils are encouraged to participate actively in school life, including decision-making processes through initiatives like the Pupil Parliament. The behavior of pupils is generally commendable, with respect and politeness being common traits. Older students serve as role models for younger ones, and peer mediators are available to address any conflicts that may arise. The school has effective measures in place to handle bullying, ensuring that any incidents are swiftly addressed by staff.
Clifford Primary School offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, allowing pupils to engage in various clubs, from sports to creative arts. The leadership has made it a priority to ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to participate in these activities. The curriculum is well-structured, enabling pupils to build on their prior knowledge effectively. For instance, in geography, younger pupils learn about continents through songs, while older pupils progress to identifying mountains using maps. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in how teachers assess pupils' understanding during lessons. Inconsistent checks on pupils' comprehension can lead to gaps in knowledge that are not addressed promptly.
Reading is a significant focus at Clifford Primary School, with inviting reading areas in classrooms and daily reading sessions led by teachers. A phonics program has been implemented, starting from Reception, to help children develop their reading skills early on. While there is a commitment to supporting pupils who struggle with reading, inconsistencies in phonics instruction have been noted. Some pupils are given reading materials that do not align with their current phonetic knowledge, hindering their progress.
The school is committed to inclusivity, ensuring that all pupils, including those with SEND, are integrated into the curriculum and school activities. Early years pupils adapt quickly to school routines, and this positive behavior continues as they progress through the school. Pupils enjoy a variety of activities beyond the standard curriculum, including residential trips and enrichment days. However, opportunities for exploring cultural and religious diversity are limited, which affects pupils' understanding of the broader community.
Staff members appreciate the support from school leaders, particularly regarding their well-being and manageable workloads. The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks to pupils. The school ensures that all necessary vetting checks are conducted for adults working with children.
To enhance the educational experience, the school needs to address the inconsistencies in phonics teaching and ensure that all staff are aligned with the intended instructional strategies. Additionally, improving assessment practices across subjects will help identify and address gaps in pupils' learning. Finally, expanding opportunities for pupils to engage with cultural and religious diversity will better prepare them for life in modern Britain. Overall, Clifford Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils.
