Shalfleet Church of England Primary School, located in Ningwood on the Isle of Wight, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 4 and 5, 2024. The school is characterized by a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where staff are dedicated to understanding and meeting the needs of their pupils. Students express appreciation for their teachers, highlighting the supportive environment that encourages them to look after one another and enjoy their time at school. The ethos of the school promotes respect, resilience, and strong relationships among pupils, contributing to a morally grounded community.
The curriculum at Shalfleet is ambitious and designed to prepare students for future learning stages. Most pupils achieve well, with teachers delivering the curriculum effectively. The school places a strong emphasis on inclusion, working with external specialists to support pupils with additional needs. This commitment ensures that all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, have access to the same curriculum as their peers. The school’s approach is encapsulated in the belief that the child should not adapt to the school; rather, the school will adapt to meet the child's needs.
Pupils benefit from a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs and school visits, which enhance their educational experience. The school is proactive in providing opportunities for disadvantaged pupils, ensuring that all students can participate in sports and other activities. Leadership opportunities for pupils, such as learning leaders and peer mentors, are also available, allowing them to have a voice in the school community.
Behaviour at Shalfleet is commendable, with pupils demonstrating positive attitudes and friendly interactions. The school actively promotes good attendance and works closely with families to address any issues related to absenteeism. The governing body and staff share a unified vision for the school, which has been strengthened in recent years. Staff feel valued and take pride in their work, contributing to a positive school culture.
While the school excels in many areas, there are some minor inconsistencies in the implementation of the curriculum. Occasionally, learning activities do not align perfectly with pupils' needs, leading to situations where some students may find the work too challenging or not challenging enough. The school is encouraged to ensure that all pupils receive appropriately matched work that fosters their knowledge, skills, and vocabulary development.
Reading is prioritized, with effective phonics instruction in place. Pupils at risk of falling behind are quickly identified and supported to catch up. As students progress, they are exposed to increasingly complex texts that enhance their language skills and understanding of the curriculum. This focus on reading contributes to pupils developing accuracy, fluency, and confidence over time.
The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The inspection highlighted the importance of creating a positive culture around safeguarding, which is evident in the school’s practices. Overall, Shalfleet Church of England Primary School continues to provide a good quality of education, with a strong commitment to meeting the diverse needs of its pupils and fostering a supportive and inclusive community.
