Great Finborough Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School is a small, rural primary school located in Suffolk. The school has a positive and family-oriented atmosphere, where pupils feel well cared for and enjoy their learning experiences. Regular attendance is noted, and students demonstrate good relationships with both their peers and staff. They exhibit politeness and consideration, embracing the school’s values of kindness, patience, and self-control. The school environment encourages pupils to engage in their work and relish the challenges of learning.
Behaviour among pupils is commendable, with minimal disruption to learning. They follow instructions and listen attentively to their teachers. The school has effective measures in place to address any instances of poor behaviour or bullying, ensuring that pupils feel safe and supported. The curriculum is enriched through a variety of trips and visits, which help to bring lessons to life and enhance pupils' understanding of the subjects they study.
The leadership team has made significant improvements since the last inspection, working closely with governors and local authorities to enhance the curriculum. The planning of the curriculum is now complete, with clear milestones that guide teachers on what knowledge pupils should acquire at each stage of their education. This structured approach allows for a coherent progression from early years through to Year 6. For instance, in art, younger pupils learn foundational skills that enable them to create more complex artwork as they advance.
Assessment systems are in place to monitor pupils' understanding and retention of knowledge. Teachers utilize various activities that build on prior learning, and most demonstrate strong subject knowledge. Consequently, pupils generally make good progress. However, there are instances where some teachers may not employ the most effective teaching strategies, which can hinder pupils' learning experiences.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, with staff accurately identifying their needs. Many of these pupils access the same curriculum as their peers, benefiting from tailored adjustments that facilitate their learning. Overall, pupils with SEND make good progress.
Reading is a strong focus at the school, with pupils encouraged to explore a diverse range of literature. The youngest children engage in phonics and storytelling, laying a solid foundation for their reading skills. Those who struggle with reading receive additional support to help them improve their fluency and comprehension.
The school’s high expectations for behaviour are consistently reinforced by staff, contributing to a positive learning environment. The personal, social, health, and economic education program effectively teaches pupils about resilience and good citizenship, aligning with the school’s values.
Staff feel supported by the leadership team, and governors play an active role in holding leaders accountable for the school’s performance. While there has been a period of positive change, some curriculum leaders have yet to fully evaluate their areas of responsibility, which may limit their understanding of what is working well and what requires improvement.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with staff trained to identify and report any concerns regarding pupil welfare. Clear systems are in place to manage allegations against adults, and pupils are educated about various risks, including online safety.
In summary, Great Finborough Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School provides a nurturing and effective educational environment. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring consistent teaching practices and evaluating curriculum effectiveness, the overall quality of education and care for pupils is commendable.
