Crockerton CofE Primary School, located in Warminster, Wiltshire, was inspected from November 6 to November 7, 2019. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision all receiving the same rating. This marked a change from the previous inspection in April 2007, where the school was rated outstanding.
The headteacher has established high expectations for both pupils and staff, fostering a safe and supportive environment where students are eager to attend school. The school community is small and harmonious, with a strong emphasis on respect and the Christian ethos. Pupils are encouraged to adhere to three key rules: be kind, be safe, and be responsible. This has resulted in good behaviour throughout the school day, contributing to an orderly atmosphere.
Physical fitness is prioritized, and despite limited outdoor space, pupils engage in various sports and activities. Reception children participate in weekly walks in the countryside, and all pupils have opportunities to learn gymnastics and team sports. Bullying is rare, and pupils are educated about internet safety and the risks associated with social media.
The curriculum is ambitious and broad, covering all subjects in the national curriculum. The headteacher has led staff in implementing a topic-based approach to learning, which pupils enjoy. However, there are instances where new knowledge is introduced without sufficient consideration of when it should be learned, leading to some disjointed learning experiences. Staff are actively working to address these gaps.
Reading is a strong focus from the start of Reception, with phonics instruction beginning on the first day. This early emphasis on reading has resulted in many children being able to read simple sentences and write independently by the end of their first year. Older pupils also engage in reading activities with younger students, fostering a culture of reading and improving literacy skills across the school.
Mathematics instruction has seen improvements, but there are still areas for development. A new mathematics leader has identified the need for pupils to strengthen their knowledge of times tables and to better connect prior learning with new concepts. Teachers are encouraged to provide clearer explanations to help pupils apply their previous knowledge effectively.
Pupils demonstrate enthusiasm for learning and are attentive in class. However, their eagerness can sometimes lead to a lack of attention to the presentation of their work. While teachers do not consistently address this issue, pupils' confidence is nurtured through supportive interactions with staff.
The governing body provides strong support to the headteacher, ensuring that the school offers numerous extracurricular opportunities, including trips, charity events, and sports fixtures. These experiences help pupils gain a broader understanding of the world beyond their immediate community.
Reception children benefit from a rich indoor learning environment, although outdoor activities are limited due to space constraints. Despite this, they make good progress in their early learning goals and demonstrate strong personal and social development.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with secure site arrangements and a culture of risk assessment in place. Staff are trained to recognize and address safeguarding concerns, ensuring the well-being of all pupils.
To improve further, the school needs to focus on enhancing the teaching of mathematics, particularly in ensuring that pupils master their times tables and make connections between their learning experiences. Continued evaluation of the curriculum organization will help ensure that pupils build and retain knowledge effectively over time.