Clehonger Church of England Primary School is a welcoming and inclusive institution where pupils enjoy attending. The school is deeply integrated into the community and emphasizes core values such as respect, resilience, and responsibility. Positive relationships among pupils and staff are prioritized, fostering an environment where students feel valued and safe. The school has made significant strides in developing its curriculum to better meet the needs of all pupils, with leaders demonstrating ambition and a commitment to raising expectations. While improvements have been made, the quality of education still requires enhancement, particularly in the consistency of curriculum implementation across subjects.
Pupils benefit from strong relationships with adults, which contributes to their confidence and well-being. They are taught to keep themselves safe and exhibit good behavior in lessons and throughout the school. The curriculum has been redesigned to be ambitious, focusing on the essential knowledge that pupils need to acquire and retain. Although recent outcomes were low, they do not reflect the current progress being made by pupils, especially in reading and writing. Teachers have received quality training in English, but some subjects, like art, reveal gaps in subject knowledge that hinder effective teaching.
The implementation of the curriculum is inconsistent, leading to disparities in pupils' knowledge across different subjects. While older pupils can articulate scientific concepts and historical facts, they struggle to connect new learning with prior knowledge, resulting in a lack of depth in understanding. Leaders are aware of these challenges and are actively working to ensure effective curriculum implementation. Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is strong, allowing them to access the same curriculum as their peers.
Reading is a high priority, with a focus on developing a love for literature from an early age. Phonics instruction is well-structured, and children in the early years quickly learn routines and behave well. The curriculum extends beyond academics, preparing pupils for life in modern Britain through lessons on democratic processes and healthy relationships. Extra-curricular activities are plentiful, and participation is high, contributing to pupils' overall development.
Governors have increased their effectiveness since the last inspection, holding leaders accountable while providing support. Staff appreciate the measures taken to support their well-being and workload, fostering a positive atmosphere among all stakeholders. The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, ensuring that pupils feel safe and supported.
To improve, the school must ensure consistent implementation of the curriculum across all subjects, enabling pupils to develop a secure understanding of their learning. Strengthening teachers' subject knowledge is essential for delivering content clearly and effectively. Additionally, the school should focus on helping pupils make connections between current and prior learning to deepen their understanding of the curriculum. Overall, while Clehonger Church of England Primary School has made commendable progress, there remains work to be done to enhance the quality of education for all pupils.
