Peckover Primary School, located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection in November 2019. The school is deeply integrated into the local community, with leaders and staff working diligently to foster trust and support among families. The environment is welcoming, and strong relationships are evident among pupils, staff, and parents. Pupils describe the school as friendly and enjoyable, and parents echo this sentiment.
The school serves a diverse population, with many pupils facing significant barriers to learning, including limited English proficiency upon entry. The leadership and well-trained staff provide essential support to help these children overcome challenges and achieve success. Behaviour at the school is commendable, with pupils demonstrating respect and good manners. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, staff address them promptly.
Peckover Primary School has made notable strides in curriculum design, aiming to engage pupils and enhance their learning experiences. Leaders have identified the necessary knowledge and skills for pupils and tailored the curriculum to meet the needs of the community. The teaching of reading and mathematics is particularly effective, with a strong emphasis on building foundational skills. The mathematics curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to build on their knowledge progressively, resulting in many achieving above-average standards by the time they leave the school.
Early education is prioritized, with children starting in Nursery and Reception often requiring support in speech, language, and communication. The school is committed to ensuring that all pupils become proficient readers, with phonics and early reading instruction starting immediately upon entry. Staff are dedicated to instilling a love of reading, regularly reading aloud to pupils and sharing their enthusiasm for literature.
The school effectively meets the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring full inclusion and progress from their starting points. Teachers engage pupils through creative learning experiences, often incorporating role-play and interactive activities. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that learning builds on prior knowledge in subjects like history. Recent reviews of the curriculum have led to changes aimed at enhancing coherence and sequencing across all subjects.
Leaders are also focused on refining assessment systems beyond English and mathematics to better track pupil progress and inform teaching. The school community is characterized by a strong sense of unity, with staff feeling supported in their roles. The multi-academy trust provides effective support for leaders and governors, facilitating collaboration with other schools to share best practices.
Safeguarding measures at Peckover Primary School are robust, with all necessary policies and procedures in place. Leaders ensure thorough checks on adults working in the school and provide regular training for staff, emphasizing that safeguarding is a collective responsibility. The pastoral team works closely with families and external agencies to support vulnerable pupils.
While the school has demonstrated significant strengths, there are areas for further development. The curriculum needs to be more coherent across subjects other than mathematics and English, and leaders must continue to enhance assessment systems to ensure that pupils are consistently achieving and retaining knowledge. Overall, Peckover Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.