North Elmham CEVA Primary School, part of the Flourish Federation, was inspected on January 17 and 18, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with similar ratings for the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision. Leadership and management were rated as good. The school has faced challenges since 2019 due to significant changes in leadership and teaching staff, which have hindered improvement. However, new leaders since September 2022 have brought stability and are driving improvements at a rapid pace, earning the confidence of staff and parents.
Pupils enjoy attending the school, describing it as friendly and welcoming. They feel safe and supported by staff, who are quick to address any issues of unkind behavior. While most pupils focus on their work, some disruptive behavior affects the concentration of others. There are concerns about inconsistent application of school rules by some staff, which impacts overall behavior. Pupils appreciate the organized visits and activities but express a desire to regain access to previously available lunchtime and after-school clubs.
The curriculum is broad and ambitious, outlining clear expectations for pupil achievement across subjects. However, staff do not consistently possess the necessary subject knowledge to effectively teach this curriculum, leading to gaps in pupils' knowledge and understanding. Early reading is prioritized, and while pupils can read simple texts by the end of Year 2, the phonics program is deemed inadequate, with reading materials not always aligned with pupils' learning stages. Leaders are taking steps to address these issues by acquiring new reading materials.
In the early years, children are safe and well cared for, but the curriculum lacks full development. While foundational skills in reading, writing, and numbers are taught, opportunities for practice are insufficient. Additionally, personal, social, and emotional development is not adequately supported. Leaders effectively identify pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive appropriate support in class.
Despite the positive aspects, there are areas needing improvement. Staff training is insufficient for consistent curriculum delivery, impacting pupil learning and achievement. Younger pupils often lack well-matched reading materials, and older pupils do not develop a love for reading due to inadequate monitoring of their reading choices. Furthermore, children in early years are not fully prepared for Year 1 across all learning areas.
Behavior management is inconsistent, with some pupils expressing frustration over the application of school rules. Leaders must ensure that staff apply these rules consistently and support pupils in improving their behavior. Additionally, pupils struggle to understand their roles in contributing to the school and community, indicating a need for clearer guidance on citizenship and responsibilities.
Governors have provided strong support during challenging times, demonstrating awareness of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff knowledgeable about safety protocols and vigilant in ensuring pupil safety. Leaders collaborate with various agencies to provide necessary support for pupils and families.
In summary, while North Elmham CEVA Primary School has made strides under new leadership, significant work remains to enhance the quality of education, behavior management, and overall pupil development. Addressing these areas will be crucial for the school to achieve its potential and ensure all pupils receive the education they deserve.
