Following the short inspection of Newbold and Tredington CofE Primary School on January 30, 2018, it was confirmed that the school continues to provide a good quality of education. The leadership team has effectively maintained this standard since the last inspection in July 2014. The headteacher's calm and forward-thinking approach has fostered a positive environment conducive to learning, and the school meets the needs of the community well. The management of the two school sites and the high rates of pupil mobility are handled skillfully, supported by a strong governing body and effective leaders.
The school’s welcoming ethos creates an environment where pupils can thrive academically and socially. Staff are dedicated to understanding pupils as individuals, which results in high-quality care and support. Pupils express happiness about attending school, highlighting the importance of friendship and community. The school emphasizes values such as respect and compassion, which are integral to its ethos. Pupils are actively involved in shaping the school’s values, leading to a strong understanding of expected behaviors and fostering good relationships among peers.
Governors demonstrate capability and skill, providing a balance of challenge and support. They are proactive in monitoring the implementation of the school improvement plan and have engaged in discussions regarding assessment results to drive key priorities. The leadership team has successfully increased leadership capacity, with senior leaders overseeing English and mathematics, ensuring effective checks on teaching quality and pupil progress. Feedback to staff is precise, enhancing their teaching practices, and a new assessment system has been implemented to identify areas needing improvement.
Improvement plans are focused on appropriate priorities, with regular reviews ensuring swift progress. The revitalization of the reading culture has been particularly successful, with new strategies encouraging pupils to explore a wider range of literature. Parents have positively noted the impact of these initiatives, and pupils are motivated to read frequently. The school has also addressed previous inspection recommendations by ensuring that work is appropriately matched to pupils’ abilities, although there remains a need for consistent challenge for the most able pupils in mathematics.
Pupils are provided with ample opportunities to write at length across various genres, demonstrating good progress. However, handwriting remains an area for improvement, requiring a more focused approach to ensure fluency and accuracy. Personal development is supported through a range of extracurricular activities, with high participation rates in clubs and competitions, fostering pupils’ creative and sporting skills.
The early years provision is effective, with children making good progress in a stimulating environment. Parents express overwhelming satisfaction with the education provided, highlighting the caring ethos and effective communication from staff. Safeguarding measures are robust, with meticulous record-keeping and thorough monitoring of concerns. The school promotes a culture of safety, ensuring pupils are well-informed about online safety and their responsibilities.
Despite high pupil mobility, the school manages transitions effectively, although this can impact end-of-key-stage results. Attendance has improved this academic year, but persistent absence remains a concern that needs addressing. The school is committed to monitoring and improving attendance rates to ensure continued progress. Overall, the school is well-positioned to build on its strengths and address areas for further development.
