Chirbury CofE VC Primary School and Busy Bees Nursery received a positive inspection report, highlighting significant improvements since the previous inspection. The overall effectiveness of the school is rated as good, with consistent ratings of good across various categories including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. Pupils express enjoyment in attending school, demonstrating respectful relationships with adults and a strong sense of community. The values of kindness and respect are emphasized, reflecting the school's Christian ethos.
Pupils exhibit good behavior in lessons and during transitions around the school, and they engage positively during social times. The school has effective measures in place to address bullying, with pupils reporting that it is not a prevalent issue. The leadership team has successfully enhanced the curriculum by providing a wide range of exciting opportunities, including trips to theaters, museums, and cities, as well as residential visits to places like Normandy, France. All pupils learn to play a musical instrument and participate in public performances, while also having access to various sports clubs and festivals.
The quality of education has significantly improved, leading to positive outcomes for most pupils across subjects. Parents have expressed satisfaction with the changes, noting that their children feel safe and happy at school. The staff is dedicated to ensuring academic and personal success for all pupils, utilizing the school's rural location to enhance outdoor learning experiences. The curriculum is well-sequenced, allowing pupils to build knowledge in most subjects, although some areas, such as science, require further development to ensure that pupils revisit and deepen their understanding.
Phonics instruction is delivered effectively, with all pupils achieving the expected standard in the Year 1 phonics screening check over the past two years. Pupils are fluent readers, with reading materials well-matched to their abilities. Older pupils enjoy reading and are enthusiastic about their favorite books and authors. In mathematics, pupils demonstrate a solid understanding of calculation strategies, although there is a need for more opportunities to apply their knowledge to problem-solving and reasoning tasks.
The school has made strides in supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring they make good progress. The governing body has taken on the management of Busy Bees Nursery, where a new curriculum has been introduced. While there are improvements in outdoor learning opportunities, further work is needed to ensure that activities for the most able children effectively build on their existing knowledge.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with leaders prioritizing the welfare of children. Staff receive regular training to identify and report concerns, and appropriate checks are conducted for anyone working or volunteering at the school. The curriculum includes essential lessons on keeping safe, particularly regarding internet safety.
To continue improving, leaders should monitor the implementation of new subject plans, particularly in science, to assess how well pupils are learning and retaining information. Additionally, there is a need for more opportunities in mathematics for pupils to apply their knowledge in practical contexts. New subject leaders should be empowered to evaluate their subjects effectively to enhance overall educational quality. The nursery's curriculum should also be assessed to ensure it meets the needs of all children, particularly the most able.
