Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Nutfield Church CofE Primary School on 9 July 2019, following its previous judgment of good in October 2015. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team, including the executive headteacher, deputy headteacher, and governors, has successfully driven improvements in the school, fostering high expectations for both academic and personal development among pupils. Staff members are dedicated and proud to work at the school, contributing to a positive and supportive environment.
The school’s Christian values are evident throughout its operations, creating an inclusive atmosphere where pupils feel valued and known. Pupils express happiness and friendliness, with opportunities for them to take on responsibilities and support one another, fostering a harmonious community. The school council, eco-team, and worship team provide platforms for pupils to voice their opinions, which leaders actively consider.
Parents express high satisfaction with the school, noting that their children are happy, safe, and well cared for. Feedback from parents highlights the friendly and supportive atmosphere, as well as the openness of teachers regarding discussions about children's progress and needs. The school has made significant improvements since the last inspection, particularly in teaching quality.
The inspection focused on several key areas, including the consistency of teaching in the upper school, which has shown improvement through tailored professional development for teachers. Senior leaders regularly monitor teaching quality and work collaboratively with staff to enhance areas needing development. Consequently, pupils are making strong progress, with attainment in English and mathematics typically above national averages. The school has seen an increase in the number of pupils achieving higher standards, particularly in key stage two.
The inspection also examined the school’s approach to ensuring that all pupils, including the most able, are challenged appropriately. Teachers are now using a wider range of questioning techniques to deepen pupils' understanding and encourage articulate expression of their ideas. However, there is a need for sharper focus on ensuring that more pupils consistently achieve higher standards, particularly in reading.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with comprehensive policies and procedures in place to create a secure environment. Staff are well-trained to recognize and report concerns, and leaders maintain thorough records of any issues. Pupils report minimal incidents of bullying, attributing this to the proactive approach of leaders in raising awareness and fostering a culture of vigilance.
The inspection also highlighted the school’s efforts to improve attendance among disadvantaged pupils, which has seen significant progress. Disadvantaged pupils generally achieve well, benefiting from the same high-quality teaching as their peers.
The curriculum is well-structured, promoting good progress across various subjects and supporting pupils' personal development. Leaders ensure that pupils gain exposure to diverse cultures and faiths, enhancing their understanding of the wider world. While pupils excel in subjects like music, art, and physical education, there are plans to strengthen teaching in science and design technology to deepen understanding and skills.
In summary, Nutfield Church CofE Primary School continues to provide a good quality of education, with effective leadership, strong community values, and a commitment to improving teaching and learning outcomes for all pupils. The school is encouraged to maintain its focus on achieving higher standards for the most able pupils and to further develop its science and design technology curriculum.
