Thurlow Voluntary Controlled Primary School, located in Little Thurlow, Suffolk, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on March 21 and 22, 2023. The school provides a supportive and engaging environment where pupils take pride in their learning and feel safe. The extensive outdoor and woodland spaces are particularly appreciated by students, enhancing their understanding of nature. From the early years, children are guided by adults to make positive choices regarding their behavior and interactions, fostering a culture of respect and kindness among peers and staff.
The school has established effective measures to address bullying, which is reported to be rare. Staff are quick to resolve any instances of unkind behavior, and pupils are encouraged to communicate their concerns, helping them learn to manage their emotions. The school promotes community involvement, with pupils actively participating in fundraising events for various charities, including support for those affected by the war in Ukraine. Leadership opportunities, such as leading collective worship, are also provided, allowing students to take on responsibilities.
The curriculum is well-structured, with a focus on building knowledge progressively. Leaders have carefully considered the vocabulary and knowledge necessary for pupils in mixed-age classes. Staff demonstrate strong subject knowledge and are generally effective in identifying when pupils require additional support. However, there are instances in a few subjects where understanding is not assessed thoroughly enough, leading to gaps in knowledge for some pupils. Recent changes in subject leadership have resulted in less established monitoring in certain areas, which may affect the ability of new leaders to gauge pupil progress effectively.
Pupils are exposed to a diverse range of reading materials that are appropriately challenging and aligned with their learning. The phonics program is well-implemented, providing a solid foundation for early readers. While most children in the early years are making good progress, some older pupils struggle with reading fluency, and additional support may not always be sufficient to help them catch up quickly.
The early years curriculum is designed to engage children in purposeful exploration of the outdoor environment. Skilled adults facilitate language development through thoughtful questioning and ensure that children learn to concentrate and play cooperatively. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive targeted support, enabling them to access the curriculum and progress alongside their peers.
Throughout the school day, pupils have opportunities to reflect on their emotional well-being during personal, social, health, and economic education lessons. They demonstrate maturity in discussing diverse experiences and lifestyles, benefiting from themed weeks that promote understanding of festivals and historical figures. The school is working to expand extracurricular activities, including clubs and trips, to further enrich the pupils' experiences.
Staff express strong support for leadership, particularly regarding workload management and well-being. Leaders have effectively managed changes within the school and have utilized collaboration across the federation to enhance staff expertise. Governors are committed to maintaining educational quality while ensuring the sustainability of the school.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with regular training for staff to recognize signs of potential harm. Pupils learn about safety in an age-appropriate manner, including discussions on internet risks and local issues. The school is encouraged to ensure that interventions for reading support are closely aligned with pupils' developmental needs and to enhance the monitoring capabilities of new subject leaders to improve overall pupil achievement.
