Ilam Church of England Primary School is a vital part of its community, where pupils exhibit politeness and pride in welcoming visitors. The staff maintain high expectations, fostering a supportive environment that allows students to thrive. The school promotes values such as caring, courage, friendliness, forgiveness, respect, and resilience, which are evident in the students' interactions. Pupils demonstrate confidence and a positive attitude towards new experiences, contributing to a nurturing and happy atmosphere.
Behavior in the school is commendable, with students behaving well in lessons and throughout the premises. Acts of kindness are commonplace, with older pupils assisting younger ones during lunchtime and on the playground. In instances of conflict, adults are quick to help students resolve their issues. The school organizes trips that align with the curriculum, enhancing students' learning experiences. For instance, a visit to a lake beach deepens their understanding of environmental topics, making learning both exciting and effective.
Since the last inspection, school leaders have focused on enhancing the curriculum, striving to create an ambitious educational framework for all students. Early reading skills are prioritized, with staff reading to children and encouraging discussions about books, which aids in developing listening skills. Daily phonics lessons are effectively implemented, ensuring that students learn and practice new sounds. Staff are adept at identifying pupils who require additional support, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance.
Once students achieve fluency in reading, they are provided with numerous opportunities to read widely. The school hosts various events to foster a love for reading, including library van visits, author interactions, and collective reading initiatives. The teaching of mathematics and foundation subjects has also improved, with lessons building on prior knowledge. Staff demonstrate strong subject knowledge, contributing to student success. Early years pupils engage in meaningful play that reinforces their understanding of numbers.
While leaders have carefully considered the curriculum's content, there are inconsistencies in the use of assessment across lessons. In some cases, assessment does not effectively identify gaps in knowledge or misconceptions, hindering some pupils' learning potential. Support for students with special educational needs and disabilities is highly effective, with leaders promptly identifying those in need and providing appropriate support to ensure they can access the same curriculum as their peers.
Pupils exhibit good behavior in lessons and throughout the school, with established routines from early years. They are well-mannered and enjoy a diverse range of experiences, including outdoor learning opportunities. The school community actively participates in fundraising activities, such as a marathon run to support a meningitis charity.
The school has undergone significant changes, with leaders and governors taking steps to enhance educational quality. However, they acknowledge the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the school's strengths and weaknesses to identify areas for improvement effectively. Staff express pride in being part of the school, appreciating the support from leaders who consider their well-being and workload.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To improve further, the school should enhance its assessment practices to better identify students' learning needs and gaps. Additionally, systematic monitoring of the school's impact is necessary for leaders to quickly recognize strengths and areas needing improvement. The focus on developing effective self-evaluation across all aspects of school life will contribute to ongoing progress and success.
