Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Ivington CofE Primary School on 26 June 2019, following its previous judgment of good in July 2015. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team has successfully fostered a caring and inclusive atmosphere, ensuring that pupils' needs and abilities are recognized and met. Parents appreciate the support provided to both pupils and their families, highlighting the school's strong ethos and the positive impact on their children's progress and well-being.
The leadership team is well aware of the changing context of the school population, which includes higher mobility rates than national averages. They have implemented effective training and support to facilitate smooth transitions for pupils joining mid-year. This approach helps pupils quickly adapt to the school's environment and feel valued. The positive partnership between parents and staff is evident, with many parents expressing their satisfaction with the school's nurturing environment.
The curriculum is carefully designed, promoting strong links between subjects and allowing pupils to build their knowledge and skills over time. Pupils engage enthusiastically with their learning, as demonstrated by a project on the Great Fire of London, where younger pupils created detailed models of houses. The school emphasizes providing pupils with diverse experiences, including trips and visits that enrich their learning and broaden their life experiences.
Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities, such as being prefects or members of the school council, which they enjoy and find meaningful. The school has effective safeguarding measures in place, ensuring that all staff are trained and aware of procedures to protect pupils' welfare. Pupils report that bullying is rare, and they understand the importance of kindness and respect in their interactions.
The inspection found that leaders have provided training that has helped teachers develop effective strategies to support pupil progress. As a result, pupils are making good progress, with strong outcomes in key stage two assessments. The school has prioritized the teaching of reading, with phonics instruction being particularly effective. Most pupils meet the expected phonics standard, and they are provided with books that match their reading levels, fostering confidence and fluency.
Governors have enhanced their skills and understanding since the last inspection, providing strong support and challenge to the leadership team. They are involved in monitoring the school's performance and have begun to engage middle leaders in this process. Leaders are also focused on addressing the needs of disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs, ensuring that additional funding is used effectively to support their development.
Next steps for the school include further developing the role of the family support worker to address the complex needs of families and improve attendance. Additionally, consolidating the role of middle leaders will enhance the quality of teaching and pupil outcomes in their respective subjects. Teachers are encouraged to ensure that pupils consistently respond to feedback, which will further support their learning and development. Overall, the inspection highlighted the school's commitment to providing a high-quality education and a supportive environment for all pupils.
