The short inspection of The Humberston Church of England Primary School conducted on February 6, 2019, confirmed that the school continues to provide a good quality of education. The leadership team has effectively maintained the standards established since the last inspection in January 2015. The school fosters an environment where pupils can thrive in their personal development, ensuring they have a solid foundation in literacy and numeracy. Pupils demonstrate a strong commitment to their learning, actively participating in lessons and engaging in various extracurricular activities that broaden their experiences. The leadership team is adept at identifying key priorities for improvement, which benefits pupil achievement. Staff morale is high, with teachers appreciating the support provided for their well-being and professional development.
Pupils' writing outcomes are particularly strong, while reading and mathematics results at the end of Year 6 in 2018 were not as high. However, the school has implemented effective strategies to address these areas, leading to good progress this year. The leadership team, including governors, possesses the necessary skills to drive further improvements, and the overall effectiveness of the school is on an upward trajectory. The school environment is calm and productive, with displays celebrating pupil achievements. Pupils feel safe and supported, knowing that staff are available to assist them. They express enjoyment in their learning, particularly when they have opportunities to choose topics that interest them.
While teaching is generally good, there are instances where pupils could be challenged more effectively. In mathematics, some pupils struggle with applying their previous knowledge to complex problems, and there are occasional careless errors in their calculations. Phonics instruction is strong, but a few pupils find it challenging to apply their skills when faced with unfamiliar vocabulary. The teaching of writing remains a strength, with teachers encouraging pupils to explore vocabulary and express themselves creatively. Despite overall improvements since 2015, inconsistencies in performance across subjects persist, particularly in reading and mathematics.
Pupils exhibit a genuine enthusiasm for learning, engaging in various subjects and expressing their thoughts on topics ranging from historical events to environmental issues. While most teaching provides adequate challenge, some pupils, especially the most able, are capable of achieving more. Parents generally hold positive views about the school, noting that their children are happy, safe, and making good progress. Attendance rates are above the national average, reflecting pupils' eagerness to attend school.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with school leaders prioritizing the safety and well-being of pupils. Staff are well-trained in safeguarding procedures, and pupils are educated on how to stay safe both in school and online. They understand the importance of reporting any concerns regarding bullying, which is not perceived as a significant issue within the school.
The inspection highlighted some inconsistencies in pupil progress, particularly among lower-attaining pupils and those with special educational needs. Leaders are proactive in identifying pupils at risk of falling behind and modifying support to meet individual needs. The teaching of writing is particularly effective, with assessments being accurate and reliable. However, the reasons for discrepancies in reading and mathematics assessments compared to national tests remain unclear. The school is encouraged to ensure that teaching consistently challenges all pupils and that expectations are high, particularly for the most able learners.
