Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Cotgrave CofE Primary School on 2 May 2019, following its previous judgment of good in December 2015. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team has successfully fostered a warm and family-like environment where pupils feel safe and valued. Parents express high levels of satisfaction, noting the supportive atmosphere and the accessibility of staff. Many parents indicated they would recommend the school, highlighting the positive experiences of their children.
Pupils take pride in their school, describing it as a safe and happy place. They trust the adults and feel supported in their learning. The school promotes a culture of understanding and empathy, with pupils expressing a desire to help those who may struggle. The leadership has established a successful collaboration with two other church schools, enhancing the school's ethos and culture. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in raising standards for the most able pupils. The inspection noted that sometimes teachers' expectations are not sufficiently high, especially in writing, where opportunities to develop vocabulary and complex writing techniques are missed.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including residential trips and visits to significant cultural sites, which enrich the pupils' educational experience. The leadership team is committed to continuous improvement and has identified key areas for development. Safeguarding measures are effective, with a strong emphasis on pupil safety and well-being. Staff receive regular training, and pupils are educated about online safety and the difference between disagreements and bullying. The school community reports a low incidence of bullying, with prompt action taken to resolve any issues.
The inspection focused on the school's efforts to improve writing standards, particularly in key stage two, and the challenge provided to all pupils. While there has been progress, particularly in reading and mathematics, the most able pupils in writing require more opportunities to engage in complex writing tasks. Improvement plans need to be more focused on specific details that will facilitate accelerated progress. Teachers are encouraged to set higher expectations and ensure that all pupils are appropriately challenged.
The governing body is well-informed and actively involved in the school's development, regularly monitoring progress and supporting leadership. Next steps for the school include refining improvement plans to better link them to pupil progress, ensuring that teachers have high expectations and that pupils have ample opportunities to apply their skills across the curriculum. Overall, Cotgrave CofE Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational environment, with clear pathways for further improvement.
