Farlow CofE Primary School, located in Cleobury Mortimer, Worcestershire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 8, 2023. The school places a strong emphasis on the well-being and care of its pupils, encapsulated in the motto Love to Learn – Learn to Love. The environment is characterized by courteous, welcoming, and friendly children who enjoy their learning experiences. The relationships between teachers and pupils are warm and respectful, contributing to a positive atmosphere conducive to learning.
The staff at Farlow CofE Primary School maintain high expectations for all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). These expectations are consistently met, resulting in positive outcomes for the students. Teachers are well-acquainted with their pupils and often go above and beyond to support them. The behavior of the pupils is commendable, with a calm and orderly atmosphere in lessons and positive interactions during playtime. Pupils are well-informed about different types of bullying and feel confident in their teachers' ability to address any issues that arise. They also demonstrate a good understanding of safety, including online safety.
The school offers a broad curriculum that is ambitious for all pupils. Leaders have carefully considered what pupils should learn across various subjects, particularly in reading, where a new phonics curriculum has been implemented. This has led to pupils becoming proficient readers who enjoy writing. However, in some foundation subjects, the clarity of the curriculum regarding the specific knowledge and skills to be learned is less defined, which can hinder staff understanding of the intended learning outcomes.
Teachers possess sound subject knowledge and design learning tasks that cater to the diverse needs and abilities of their pupils. They effectively use assessments to identify pupils who may need additional support and adapt their teaching accordingly. This approach fosters resilience and independence in pupils, preparing them well for future learning challenges. Pupils with SEND receive targeted support, enabling them to overcome learning barriers and achieve success.
Reading is a priority at Farlow CofE Primary School, with effective delivery of the phonics curriculum ensuring that most pupils read at age-appropriate levels. Daily reading activities and storytime contribute to a culture of reading enjoyment among pupils. The school has established high expectations for pupil behavior, which are consistently met, resulting in excellent conduct throughout the school. Pupils understand their responsibilities regarding behavior and demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning.
In the early years, children settle quickly into Reception, benefiting from strong care and nurturing that helps them adapt to school routines. They begin learning phonics immediately and engage in structured play that supports their learning. The school promotes pupils' wider development through a strong program that aligns with its Christian ethos, emphasizing values such as resilience and perseverance. The variety of extracurricular activities, including trips and after-school clubs, enriches the pupils' educational experience.
Staff express unanimous support for school leadership, appreciating the consideration given to their well-being and workload. The safeguarding arrangements at Farlow CofE Primary School are effective, with all staff trained to prioritize pupil safety. Leaders ensure that safeguarding measures are robust and that pupils are educated about safety in various contexts. Overall, Farlow CofE Primary School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational environment for its pupils, with clear areas for improvement identified in the foundation subjects.
