Pulham Church of England Primary School, located in Pulham Market, Norfolk, underwent an inspection on November 15 and 16, 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with the quality of education also falling into the same category. However, the school demonstrated good performance in areas such as behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The previous inspection in March 2017 had rated the school as good.
Pupils at the school enjoy a positive and respectful environment, showing eagerness to learn in their lessons. Teachers exhibit kindness and understanding towards the diverse needs of their students, fostering a culture of mutual respect. Bullying is infrequent, and students feel safe, knowing they can approach adults for support if needed. The school offers various clubs and activities, including forest school and church visits, allowing pupils to take on responsibilities and engage in community activities. Older students assist younger ones during playtime, promoting friendship and cooperation.
The curriculum has undergone significant changes under new leadership, focusing on enhancing the quality of education. Leaders have introduced new schemes of work that outline essential knowledge and skills for pupils. However, the implementation of this curriculum is still in its early stages, and leaders have not yet fully developed methods to assess its effectiveness. Consequently, some pupils with gaps in their learning struggle to grasp new content.
While teachers display enthusiasm and commitment, there are instances where pupils' understanding of subjects like history and geography is limited. This is attributed to the early stage of training for staff and the selection of tasks that may not effectively reinforce the intended knowledge. Leaders are aware of these challenges and have plans to enhance teaching practices.
Reading instruction is a priority, especially for pupils at early stages of literacy. Leaders have trained staff to teach reading effectively and have increased adult support to help pupils catch up. The assessment of reading is frequent and precise, ensuring that teaching aligns with pupils' needs. The teaching of reading is noted as excellent, aiding pupils in developing phonics and reading fluency.
In the early years, staff are experienced and caring, adapting the curriculum to build on children's prior knowledge. They encourage kindness and sharing, which helps develop language and communication skills. The curriculum includes stories, songs, and rhymes that enhance vocabulary acquisition.
Leaders are proactive in identifying pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, increasing support for their social, emotional, and mental health needs. Adjustments to support ensure that these pupils can access the full curriculum alongside their peers. The commitment to fostering positive behavior and attitudes is evident, with consistent routines and language used by staff to model politeness and consideration.
The school provides a range of opportunities for personal development, including age-appropriate education on relationships, sex, health, and religious education. Pupils learn to appreciate diverse opinions and cultures, fostering reflection through activities like gratitude journals. School leaders and governors share a proactive vision for improvement, with parents expressing satisfaction with the positive changes implemented by new leadership.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with knowledgeable staff committed to ensuring pupil safety and well-being. Staff are vigilant about signs of harm and maintain detailed safeguarding records. Pupils are educated on safety, including online safety, and leaders conduct thorough checks on the suitability of adults working with children.
To improve, the school needs to further develop its curriculum beyond English and mathematics, ensuring it is adapted to consider pupils' prior learning experiences. Additionally, staff should enhance their subject knowledge to better support teaching and learning in the wider curriculum.
