Cantley Primary School, located in Norwich, Norfolk, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 10, 2021. The school is characterized by a positive and orderly environment where pupils feel happy and engaged. High attendance rates reflect the enjoyment students derive from their time at school. The small school atmosphere fosters a sense of community, emphasizing values such as friendship, respect, care, and compassion. Teachers maintain high expectations for both behavior and learning, which pupils respond to positively. The school's behavior system is well understood and consistently implemented, contributing to a low incidence of bullying. Feedback from parents indicates strong support for the school's approach.
The classrooms are described as supportive and friendly, creating a productive learning environment. Lunchtimes are well supervised, and pupils engage in harmonious outdoor play. The calm dining room atmosphere allows for well-mannered lunch experiences. At the end of the school day, pupils enthusiastically share their learning experiences with their parents, showcasing their engagement with the curriculum.
The school has made significant strides in improving its curriculum, particularly in English, mathematics, and science. Prior to the pandemic, plans were in place to enhance the curriculum across all subjects, and these have been effectively implemented. The current leadership has injected new energy and ambition into the curriculum, with exciting plans set to roll out in September 2021. Staff are receiving training to ensure effective delivery of the curriculum, which is expected to enhance the overall quality of education.
While the implementation of curriculum plans in subjects beyond English and mathematics is less consistent, there are notable strengths, particularly in science, where pupils gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject. However, in areas like religious education, there are gaps in pupils' retention of knowledge. Regular assessments in foundation subjects are not yet established, which hinders teachers' ability to make impactful adjustments to enhance learning.
Teachers are committed to fostering a love for reading, regularly reading to children with enthusiasm and selecting diverse and engaging books. Pupils are encouraged to read at home, and those in the early years are effectively taught phonics. The writing curriculum is well-structured, with pupils demonstrating significant progress and high standards in their work.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is strong, with teaching assistants providing essential assistance in learning and behavior management. The school has ensured that parents of these pupils receive necessary support during periods of national restrictions.
Leadership has undergone changes since the last inspection, with the local authority collaborating with governors to strengthen leadership and curriculum opportunities. The partnership with other schools has provided valuable expertise, contributing to stabilized leadership and improved curriculum quality.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with secure recruitment processes and well-trained staff ensuring pupil safety. Pupils feel secure due to the presence of attentive adults, and the school provides parents with information on keeping children safe online.
To further improve, the school needs to enhance the consistency of knowledge checks and recaps in foundation subjects, ensuring that all pupils retain and understand the material. The implementation of improved curriculum plans for September 2021 should prioritize the same principles that have proven effective in core subjects. Overall, Cantley Primary School continues to demonstrate a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment.
