Corby Old Village Primary School, located in Northamptonshire, underwent an inspection on October 10 and 11, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has made significant progress since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The core aims of the school focus on challenge, opportunities, values, pride, and success, with a strong emphasis on high expectations for all pupils. The curriculum is designed to encourage aspiration and help students achieve their potential.
Pupils at Corby Old Village Primary School exhibit a positive attitude towards learning and enjoy their time at school. They demonstrate good behavior, are polite, and take pride in their environment, as evidenced by their initiative to keep the school grounds clean. The relationships between staff and pupils are characterized by warmth and care, contributing to a safe and supportive atmosphere where pupils feel valued and secure.
The school has implemented an ambitious curriculum that clearly outlines the essential knowledge pupils need to retain. Staff frequently revisit key content, which aids in the retention of knowledge and the development of a comprehensive understanding in subjects like physical education. However, this approach is not uniformly applied across all subjects, leading to varying depths of understanding among pupils in different areas of the curriculum.
Reading is a priority at the school, with effective phonics instruction in place. Pupils engage in activities that help them blend sounds to read words, and they have access to a diverse range of literature, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. The school has thoughtfully curated reading materials for each year group, fostering a love for reading among pupils. Older students recognize the importance of reading for academic success and personal enjoyment.
Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported, with tailored adjustments made to ensure they can access the same ambitious curriculum as their peers. Staff demonstrate strong subject knowledge and effectively check for understanding during lessons. However, there is room for improvement in the early years, particularly in developing children's communication skills during free play and imaginative activities.
The school provides high-quality personal, social, health, and economic education, ensuring pupils understand safety and well-being. They learn about respect, kindness, and the importance of celebrating diversity. The school offers various clubs and leadership opportunities, promoting personal development and engagement.
Staff collaboration is evident, with a focus on managing workloads effectively. Governors play an active role in holding the school accountable for its educational quality, regularly assessing the curriculum's impact and providing support for continuous improvement.
The safeguarding arrangements at Corby Old Village Primary School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, the school must address certain areas for improvement. Specifically, it needs to clearly identify the most important knowledge in all curriculum areas to ensure consistent depth of understanding among pupils. Additionally, staff in the early years must enhance their interactions with children to better develop communication and language skills during play.
Overall, Corby Old Village Primary School has made commendable strides in providing a quality education, fostering a positive school culture, and supporting the diverse needs of its pupils. With continued focus on curriculum clarity and language development, the school is well-positioned for further success.
