Clifton Hampden Church of England Primary School is a small, voluntary controlled primary school located in Abingdon, Oxfordshire. The school has recently undergone an inspection, which took place on June 25 and 26, 2024. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as behaviour and attitudes receiving an outstanding rating. The quality of education, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good.
The school is characterized by a positive and harmonious environment where pupils are happy and engaged. They enjoy interacting with their peers and demonstrate care for one another. The school promotes high academic ambitions from the early years, and pupils show a strong commitment to their learning. Regular attendance is noted, and the small size of the school allows for personalized attention, ensuring that every child is known and supported by their teachers.
School routines are well established, contributing to a seamless daily operation. Pupils participate in preparing classrooms for meals and older students model good behaviour and manners during mealtimes. The school fosters a sense of pride among pupils, who actively contribute to maintaining a tidy learning environment. Enrichment opportunities are abundant, encouraging pupils to develop curiosity, courage, and compassion. Community Week is highlighted as a significant event, where students engage with local careers and learn about making a positive impact in their community.
Leadership at the school is marked by clear direction and a commitment to high standards. Parents express strong support for the school, with all surveyed indicating they would recommend it. The school has made strides in identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive the necessary adjustments to thrive alongside their peers. The curriculum is ambitious, focusing on essential knowledge across subjects, and early years staff have improved their planning to enhance child development outcomes.
The phonics program has been revamped, and staff are well-trained in its implementation, which has positively impacted pupils' reading and writing skills. However, there is a noted concern that pupils are not consistently reading books that align with their phonics knowledge, which may hinder their reading fluency. Teachers are passionate and knowledgeable, regularly checking pupils' understanding and providing necessary support.
Pupils demonstrate tolerance and acceptance, reflecting the school's strong values. Recent changes to the personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum aim to deepen pupils' understanding of life in modern Britain and fundamental British values. While leaders and staff are developing their expertise in evaluating the curriculum's impact, there is still a need for clearer assessments of its implementation across different age groups.
Staff morale is high, with a united team focused on continuous improvement. Leaders are mindful of the additional responsibilities that come with working in a small school and prioritize staff well-being. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve, the school needs to ensure that reading materials closely match the phonics teaching sequence to enhance pupils' reading progress. Additionally, ongoing training for leaders and governors will help them better understand and fulfill their roles in ensuring high educational standards. Overall, Clifton Hampden Church of England Primary School is a nurturing and effective educational institution that prioritizes the well-being and development of its pupils.
