Cliffedale Primary School, located in Grantham, Lincolnshire, has received a positive inspection report, reflecting its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection, conducted on February 6 and 7, 2024, highlighted several strengths of the school, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all rated as good. The school has maintained this level of performance since its previous inspection.
Pupils express pride in attending Cliffedale, describing it as an inclusive and friendly environment where fairness prevails. They demonstrate a strong understanding of equality and respect, contributing to a positive atmosphere that encourages them to strive for their best. The school fosters a sense of safety and support, with pupils feeling comfortable discussing their worries, which is indicative of a nurturing environment.
Behavior among pupils is commendable, with most showing good concentration during lessons and engaging positively during playtime. Older students take on leadership roles by running clubs for younger peers, promoting a sense of community. The school has established eight core values that underpin its ethos, which are integrated into the curriculum. Pupils are recognized for their achievements in various areas, including communication, positivity, problem-solving, creativity, leadership, and teamwork.
Parents and carers have expressed overwhelming satisfaction with the education and support their children receive at Cliffedale. They commend the strong leadership and the improvements made since the last inspection, indicating a collaborative and responsive school community.
The curriculum has been restructured to ensure that pupils learn in a logical and coherent manner across all subjects. Lessons are designed to connect current learning with prior knowledge and future concepts. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with pupils immersed in literature from an early age. Early years children enthusiastically retell stories, while older pupils engage deeply with texts during reading sessions. Phonics instruction is effectively delivered, enabling children to recognize sounds and read unfamiliar words confidently.
Cliffedale provides a nurturing environment for early years pupils, promoting independence through well-structured activities and imaginative play. Staff demonstrate strong subject knowledge and model effective learning strategies, particularly in English. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in monitoring pupil progress during lessons. Occasionally, pupils are advanced to new material before fully grasping previous concepts, which can hinder their understanding.
The school is proactive in identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Staff adapt lessons to meet the diverse needs of these pupils, ensuring they receive appropriate care and support. High expectations for behavior and attendance are maintained, with the school closely monitoring these aspects and addressing any issues promptly.
Cliffedale's personal development program, centered around its skills builder initiative, encourages pupils to embody the school's values. Pupils demonstrate inclusive attitudes and understand the importance of diversity, although there is room for improvement in their knowledge of world faiths. The school provides lessons on online safety and mental health, alongside a variety of extracurricular clubs and leadership opportunities.
Leadership at Cliffedale is characterized by ambition and efficiency, with clear direction and support for staff. Teachers appreciate the training and time allocated for their professional development, contributing to a positive working environment.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. However, the school must focus on enhancing formative assessment practices to ensure that all pupils are adequately prepared for new learning. Additionally, staff should select activities that align closely with curriculum objectives to reinforce essential knowledge and skills. Overall, Cliffedale Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
