Micheldever CofE Primary School, located in Hampshire, has been rated as good in its recent inspection. The school provides a warm and welcoming environment for its pupils, fostering a sense of family among students, staff, and parents. The Christian values of love, hope, trust, and forgiveness are integral to the school's ethos, guiding the behavior and attitudes of the community. Leaders emphasize the importance of good behavior, which contributes to a focused learning atmosphere. Staff are dedicated to building strong relationships with pupils, offering positive support that encourages good choices and hard work.
The school prioritizes reading from the moment children enter, with a strong phonics program in place. Well-trained staff ensure that all pupils receive expert help tailored to their reading levels. Story times and library sessions are highlights for many students, enhancing their love for reading. The curriculum has been thoughtfully redesigned to support a coherent learning journey, with clear expectations set for early years education. Subject leaders have carefully considered how to prepare pupils for future learning, ensuring that knowledge builds progressively.
While the foundation subjects are well-ordered, there is a need for teachers to develop clearer methods for assessing pupils' understanding and retention of knowledge. This gap can hinder the identification of misconceptions or learning gaps. The school is committed to inclusivity, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, learn alongside their peers. Extra support is quickly identified and implemented, allowing these pupils to achieve well. Newcomers learning English are welcomed and integrated smoothly into the school community, aided by staff who utilize translation tools effectively.
Leaders are focused on preparing pupils for life beyond school, teaching them about healthy relationships, e-safety, and responsibility. Pupils enjoy taking on various roles within the school and appreciate the range of extracurricular clubs available. However, opportunities to learn about diverse faiths and cultures are not yet fully integrated into the curriculum, and leaders recognize the need to enhance this aspect of education to better prepare pupils for modern British society.
The school has established a positive approach to behavior management, with staff skilled in helping pupils take responsibility for their actions. Attendance is a priority for leaders, who understand its impact on learning and achievement. Governors play an active role in supporting and challenging school leaders, fostering a collaborative environment that allows staff to manage their workloads effectively.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with leaders ensuring that staff are trained to identify and respond to potential risks. Pupils feel safe and know they can seek help from trusted adults. The school’s commitment to well-being is evident in its curriculum, which includes personal, social, and health education.
To improve further, leaders need to consistently monitor the implementation of the revised curriculum and develop clearer assessment strategies for foundation subjects. Additionally, there is a need to broaden pupils' understanding of different cultures and beliefs through a more integrated approach to learning experiences. Overall, Micheldever CofE Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
