Clandon CofE Aided Primary School, located in West Clandon, Guildford, Surrey, underwent an inspection on September 21 and 22, 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, reflecting significant improvements since the previous inspection, which had rated it as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good.
Pupils at Clandon CofE Aided Primary School express enjoyment in their learning environment, demonstrating enthusiasm for their work. The staff maintain high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. This supportive atmosphere fosters resilience among pupils, encouraging them to tackle challenging tasks. The school promotes a culture of respect, where pupils are taught to behave appropriately and make positive choices. Reception children quickly adapt to routines that enhance their independence, and any instances of bullying are addressed promptly by the leadership team.
The school community is characterized by kindness and support, contributing to a safe environment where new pupils can easily make friends. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including forest school experiences and clubs such as cooking, dance, and archery, which help develop leadership skills among students.
The headteacher has successfully raised staff aspirations, ensuring a collective ambition for every pupil's learning. Leaders are proactive in identifying the needs of pupils and collaborating with external agencies to provide necessary support. The school prioritizes language development, particularly for children entering with weaker skills, and has implemented a vocabulary program across year groups to enhance communication and learning.
Reading fluency is a focus, with a new program in place that staff follow closely. High-quality training has equipped teachers with the knowledge to support pupils effectively, ensuring that reading materials align with the sounds pupils have learned. Struggling readers receive additional support, fostering a love for reading through exposure to a diverse range of texts.
The curriculum has been redesigned to strengthen subject knowledge and ensure that essential skills and knowledge are sequenced effectively. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in consistently checking pupil understanding of key content. Some subject leaders are new to their roles and have not yet had the opportunity to assess pupil learning effectively. The governing body demonstrates a strong understanding of the school's strengths and areas for development, actively engaging in school visits and focusing on pupil learning.
While pupils generally exhibit positive attitudes towards learning, there are occasional instances of low-level disruption, which staff manage promptly. Attendance has improved, but some pupils still do not attend regularly enough, highlighting the need for continued efforts to support families in this regard.
The school promotes personal development effectively, providing experiences that enhance social and emotional skills. Pupils learn about healthy relationships and the importance of supporting one another. Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff trained to recognize signs of risk and respond appropriately. The school environment is perceived as safe by pupils, who receive education on managing risks and online safety.
To further improve, the school needs to refine its curriculum planning to ensure that essential content is consistently checked for understanding. Subject leaders should be equipped with the skills to evaluate pupil learning effectively. Additionally, efforts to improve attendance must continue to ensure that all pupils benefit from their education.
