North Clifton Primary School, located in Nottinghamshire, was inspected on September 26 and 27, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, a decline from its previous inspection grade of good. The quality of education was also rated as requiring improvement, while behavior and attitudes, as well as personal development, were rated as good. Leadership and management were similarly assessed as requiring improvement.
Pupils express a strong sense of belonging at North Clifton, describing it as a happy and friendly environment where they feel safe and secure. The close-knit community fosters positive relationships among students and staff, with parents and carers also voicing their appreciation for the nurturing atmosphere. Staff are dedicated to the well-being of each pupil, yet the school struggles to provide a consistently high-quality education across all subjects. This gap in educational quality results in some pupils lacking essential knowledge and skills.
The school emphasizes the teaching of respect, resilience, and responsibility, which pupils understand deeply and strive to embody. They demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning and exhibit good behavior both in lessons and during playtime. The school's secret garden serves as a unique space for pupils to engage with nature, fostering a sense of pride and connection to the environment.
Reading is a priority at North Clifton, with effective phonics instruction enabling pupils to read accurately and fluently from an early age. Staff closely monitor progress and provide additional support when needed. Older pupils engage with texts in depth, utilizing various strategies to uncover deeper meanings. However, the curriculum lacks coherence in some subjects, with unclear planning and sequencing hindering pupils' ability to build knowledge systematically. Mixed-age classes present challenges, as tasks may not always be appropriately challenging for older pupils, while younger pupils may struggle with the complexity of their assignments. Furthermore, there is insufficient reinforcement of prior learning across subjects, which affects knowledge retention.
Despite the small number of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, the school has established systems to support those requiring additional help. High expectations for behavior are met, resulting in calm classrooms conducive to learning and high attendance rates.
The curriculum for personal development is a notable strength, with a well-structured approach that aligns with the school's core values. Pupils are exposed to diverse perspectives through carefully selected reading materials and enrichment opportunities, such as visits to local places of worship.
Staff morale is high, with teachers feeling supported and enjoying their work at the school. Leaders have identified strengths and areas for improvement, and the governing body is actively working to stabilize the school's foundation. However, governors recognize the need to broaden their oversight to ensure high-quality education across all subjects.
Safeguarding measures are effective, ensuring a safe environment for pupils. To improve, the school must clarify learning objectives across all subjects, ensuring a logical progression of knowledge and skills. Staff training is necessary to better address the needs of mixed-age classes, and there should be a systematic approach to revisiting key knowledge to enhance retention. Overall, while North Clifton Primary School has a strong community and positive aspects, it faces significant challenges in delivering a consistently high-quality education.
