Pot Kiln Primary School, located in Great Cornard, Suffolk, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on April 6 and 7, 2022. The school is characterized by a friendly atmosphere where pupils demonstrate kindness towards one another and respect for staff. They actively engage in their learning, often describing lessons as enjoyable. The school's consistent behavior management approach fosters a culture where students are ready, respectful, and safe. The personal, social, health, and economic education program plays a crucial role in teaching students how to manage friendships and seek help when needed, contributing to their emotional well-being.
Pupils report that any disagreements are promptly addressed by adults, and many feel they have not experienced bullying. For those who have faced bullying, there is a strong trust in staff to handle the situation effectively. The school offers a growing range of extracurricular clubs, promoting physical activity and engagement. Older students take on leadership roles as Reading Champions, assisting younger peers in developing their reading skills.
Since the last inspection, the school has faced challenges in staffing and leadership but has made significant strides in addressing areas needing improvement. Leaders have implemented rapid improvement plans that have effectively tackled these issues, with collaboration among staff, governors, and the local authority ensuring the school maintains its good standing. Curriculum leaders have refined subject plans, ensuring a logical progression of knowledge from early years to Year 6, aligning with the national curriculum.
Teachers utilize detailed plans and their subject knowledge to create engaging activities that support student learning. In mathematics, for instance, early years educators help children learn number facts, building their confidence as they progress through the grades. However, some subjects have only recently been improved, and older pupils may not yet have benefited fully from these enhancements, resulting in gaps in their knowledge compared to younger peers. Leaders are actively working to address these gaps.
Assessment practices are closely aligned with the key knowledge pupils are expected to learn, allowing teachers to adapt lessons based on in-class checks of student understanding. This approach ensures that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, can access the curriculum effectively and achieve well.
Reading instruction is prioritized, with a structured approach beginning as soon as children enter the school. Well-trained staff support pupils in mastering reading sounds, fostering confidence in their reading abilities by Year 1. A culture of reading is being cultivated, with shared books and stories becoming integral to school life.
The school has also re-evaluated its approach to managing challenging behavior, providing emotional and pastoral support to prevent issues from arising. Through the PSHE curriculum, pupils learn about their differences and strategies for mindfulness, contributing to a positive learning environment. While recent changes have increased staff workload, leaders are attentive to staff well-being and have made assessment processes more relevant.
The safeguarding arrangements at Pot Kiln Primary School are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding evident throughout the school. Staff are trained to recognize signs of risk and report concerns appropriately. The curriculum includes opportunities for pupils to learn about safety in the community and online.
To further improve, the school needs to ensure that all subjects have clearly defined and sequenced knowledge, with assessments closely linked to this knowledge, enabling consistent achievement across the curriculum. Overall, Pot Kiln Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.