Ducklington Primary School, located in Witney, Oxfordshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 28 and 29, 2023. The school fosters a welcoming environment where pupils take pride in their learning and engage in discussions about their work. Leaders at the school are committed to ensuring that all students make good progress, and pupils express enjoyment in their lessons, which are appropriately challenging. The atmosphere within the school is calm and friendly, facilitating the quick integration of new pupils, particularly through the close connection between the nursery and the main school. Regular assemblies help pupils explore the school’s values, leading to courteous behavior among students and staff. Pupils are aware of what constitutes bullying and feel confident that staff would address any incidents promptly.
The school provides thoughtful pastoral care and guidance on safety, ensuring that individual needs are identified and addressed. Teachers adapt learning based on this information, which helps pupils achieve well. The curriculum is broad and develops from nursery through Year 6, promoting confidence and independence among pupils. Leaders ensure that the individual needs of pupils are well understood by all staff, which is regularly reviewed as pupils progress through the school. The teaching team is highly knowledgeable, employing a variety of methods to keep lessons engaging and linked to prior knowledge, which aids in deepening pupils' understanding.
Leaders monitor the implementation of the national curriculum, and in many subjects, pupils demonstrate secure knowledge and understanding. For instance, they are becoming confident mathematicians through the use of familiar methods. However, in some subjects, the specific knowledge that pupils should learn is not as clearly defined, which can hinder their ability to apply prior learning to new concepts. Leaders are aware of this issue and have plans for further curriculum development.
Teachers regularly assess what pupils know and remember, using this information to support those who need additional help, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school prioritizes reading, starting with phonics in the early years, and provides books that align with pupils' phonetic knowledge. In response to a decline in reading among older pupils post-pandemic, staff have introduced new books and initiatives to foster a love of reading.
Pupils feel safe and supported, with staff modeling respectful relationships and teaching appropriate behavior. The caring nature of teachers contributes to pupils' enjoyment of school. Early years children benefit from a variety of activities that enhance their fine-motor skills, communication, and social development. Leaders focus on developing a sense of belonging through activities related to family and cultural festivals.
The school aims for all pupils to acquire the skills necessary for their future endeavors. Pupils' wider development is supported through various clubs and community activities, ensuring accessibility for as many pupils as possible. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff viewing it as a central part of their role. Regular training and systematic record-keeping enhance the safeguarding framework, and pupils are educated on safety, including internet use.
To improve, leaders need to ensure that the curriculum in all subjects clearly outlines the knowledge pupils need to learn and the sequence in which it should be taught. This will help build pupils' knowledge sequentially and assist teachers in identifying any gaps in understanding. Overall, Ducklington Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils.
