Albury Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School, located in Hertfordshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 13, 2023. The school is characterized by a welcoming atmosphere where both pupils and adults contribute to a harmonious learning environment. Students engage in various activities during playtime, such as jumping on tires, setting up shops in the forest area, or simply chatting on benches. The strong relationships between pupils and staff foster a sense of safety and happiness, ensuring that students know they can seek help from adults when needed.
The school emphasizes the importance of focus and effort during work periods, with adults setting high expectations that pupils strive to meet. Students take pride in their learning and demonstrate a clear understanding of right and wrong. The school’s values, including friendship and respect, are evident in the actions of the pupils. They celebrate individuality and differences, developing an appreciation for various cultures, religions, and beliefs through visits to places of worship and museums. Older students have opportunities for independence and resilience through experiences such as camping on school grounds and spending a week in the Isle of Wight.
The curriculum at Albury is engaging and well-structured, with a strong foundation laid in the early years. Young children learn essential skills, such as reading maps and vocabulary, which prepare them for more complex concepts as they progress. The curriculum is designed to allow pupils to practice and apply their learning regularly, aiding retention. Teachers effectively explain new concepts and frequently check for understanding, utilizing their strong subject knowledge to address any misconceptions promptly.
Early reading instruction is a particular strength of the school. From Nursery, children are exposed to a variety of stories, poems, and rhymes, with adults adept at identifying and supporting those who struggle with reading. All pupils have access to a diverse range of books, which not only enhances their reading skills but also broadens their understanding of different cultures and beliefs.
The Nursery provision offers high levels of care and support, with adults using questioning techniques to enhance children's understanding and vocabulary. The weekly toddler group helps pre-school children acclimate to the school environment before they officially start. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are included in the full curriculum, with activities adapted to meet their needs. However, some support plans for these pupils lack clarity regarding their specific learning goals, which can hinder the precision of the support they receive.
Behavior at the school is exemplary, with pupils actively including one another in games and maintaining focus during lessons. The calm classroom environment allows for effective learning, and even the youngest children demonstrate independence through established routines. Pupils are educated about emotional awareness and self-care, equipping them with strategies to manage their mental health.
Staff members take pride in their work, and senior leaders prioritize their well-being by managing workloads effectively and providing relevant training. Governors play a crucial role in supporting and challenging school leaders, ensuring that they have the necessary information to monitor the school's performance.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with well-trained adults who know how to respond to concerns regarding pupil welfare. Clear records of concerns ensure that appropriate actions are taken to support pupils and their families. Pre-employment checks on staff are conducted diligently, and governors actively monitor safeguarding practices.
To improve, the school needs to enhance the precision of support for some pupils with SEND by clearly outlining their learning objectives in support plans. This will ensure that all pupils receive the focused assistance they require to achieve their potential. Overall, Albury Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational environment for its pupils, fostering both academic and personal growth.
