Underwood Church of England Primary School has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 27 and 28 June 2023. The school is committed to its motto of Being the BEST we can be, fostering an environment where pupils are encouraged to believe in themselves and value their achievements. This supportive atmosphere begins in the Reception Year, where children showcase their proud work on a designated wow wall.
Pupils exhibit commendable behavior both in lessons and throughout the school, treating one another with respect. The structured routines in the Reception Year help children focus and engage effectively. Strong relationships between pupils and staff contribute to a sense of safety and trust, allowing students to feel comfortable seeking help when needed. The enthusiasm for learning is evident, particularly in reading, where pupils enjoy listening to their teachers and selecting books from the library. Collaborative activities, such as preparing for the annual summer dance, further enhance their learning experience.
The school promotes a sense of community, with pupils taking on roles such as playground buddies and sports ambassadors to ensure that everyone is engaged during lunchtime. A variety of clubs and activities, including multi-skills, fencing, and gardening, provide additional opportunities for pupils to explore their interests and develop new skills.
Leadership at the school has focused on refining the curriculum to ensure it is ambitious and relevant for all pupils. Leaders have carefully considered how each subject contributes to the overall educational experience, establishing clear expectations for vocabulary, knowledge, and skills at each stage of learning. However, some areas of the curriculum are still in development, which can lead to uncertainty among teachers regarding what to teach and when. Leaders are aware of this and have plans in place to address these gaps.
Teachers are effective in their instruction, clearly explaining new concepts and providing tasks that reinforce prior learning, particularly in mathematics. They adapt their teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of pupils and use well-judged questions to assess understanding. While most pupils make good progress, there are instances where not all students benefit equally from the teaching methods employed. Leaders utilize assessment effectively to identify learning gaps and ensure that pupils receive the necessary support to catch up.
The introduction of a new phonics program has been a positive step, with staff receiving training to enhance their teaching skills. Children begin learning phonics in the Reception Year, and those needing additional support are provided with effective interventions to help them improve their reading skills.
In the early years, children thrive in a nurturing environment that promotes communication and creativity. They develop independence and problem-solving skills, demonstrating resilience and a willingness to learn from mistakes. The school’s core values of kindness, respect, honesty, forgiveness, determination, and humility are integrated into daily life, helping pupils to cultivate their character.
Governors play an active role in supporting and challenging the school, ensuring the well-being of staff is prioritized. Parents express strong support for the school, appreciating its community presence and the positive impact it has on their children.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and act on concerns promptly. Pupils learn about safety through lessons and assemblies, covering topics such as water safety and e-safety.
While the school continues to perform well, there is a need for ongoing development in certain areas of the curriculum to ensure that all teachers have a clear understanding of what to teach. This will enable pupils to achieve their full potential across all subjects. Overall, Underwood Church of England Primary School remains a good school, committed to providing a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
