Godstone Primary and Nursery School, located in Godstone, Surrey, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on December 13 and 14, 2022. The school is characterized by a nurturing and vibrant environment where pupils feel safe and valued. Strong relationships between pupils and staff contribute to a positive atmosphere, and parents express appreciation for the support provided by the school. High expectations are evident throughout the school, with leaders encouraging pupils to achieve their best. Classrooms are filled with a purposeful buzz of learning, and playtimes are joyful occasions where pupils engage in fun activities. The school promotes a culture of kindness, with pupils confident that unkind behavior will not be tolerated.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular opportunities, including clubs for gymnastics, football, and singing, which help pupils develop their talents and interests. Pupils take pride in their responsibilities, such as serving as librarians or sports captains, and they actively participate in the school council, contributing to decisions that affect their school life. Leaders, governors, and staff are committed to fostering a love of learning among pupils, encouraging them to develop resilience, resourcefulness, reciprocity, and reflectiveness. These attributes are celebrated and rewarded, reinforcing a positive learning culture.
The curriculum at Godstone Primary is ambitious and well-structured, ensuring that essential knowledge and skills are taught in a logical sequence. Teachers effectively build on pupils' prior knowledge and address any gaps in understanding before introducing more complex concepts. The school is attentive to the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, with knowledgeable staff adapting learning activities accordingly. However, some subjects may lack staff with the necessary subject expertise, which could limit pupils' potential for even greater achievement. Leaders are aware of this and are taking steps to address it.
Reading is a central focus of the curriculum, starting in the nursery, where children are encouraged to develop a love for reading through storytelling and rhymes. Staff model and promote the use of ambitious vocabulary, supporting children's speech and language development. Pupils are provided with books that match their reading abilities, and staff monitor their progress closely, offering additional support as needed. While phonics instruction is generally effective, some staff may require further training to ensure consistency in teaching methods.
Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes toward learning, and their personal development is a notable strength of the school. They engage in meaningful activities that promote their roles as responsible citizens, such as collecting food for local charities and learning about global issues. The school prepares pupils well for life in modern Britain by teaching them about different cultures and religions.
Governors are knowledgeable about the school's strengths and areas for improvement, effectively challenging leaders on educational quality. They ensure that staff well-being and workload management processes are in place. Staff morale is high, and there is a strong sense of camaraderie among the team.
The safeguarding arrangements at Godstone Primary are effective, with leaders prioritizing pupils' welfare and safety. Staff receive regular training and are vigilant in identifying pupils who may need support. Clear systems are in place for reporting concerns, and leaders work closely with external agencies to provide necessary assistance.
To improve further, the school needs to address inconsistencies in phonics instruction and enhance staff subject knowledge in certain areas. Leaders are committed to providing ongoing training to ensure that all pupils receive the best possible education.
