Snettisham Primary School, located in King's Lynn, Norfolk, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 20, 2022. The school provides a positive environment where pupils enjoy attending, engaging with friends and teachers, and participating in activities during playtime in a spacious outdoor area. The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, offering enrichment opportunities and trips that enhance the learning experience. Pupils express a strong enthusiasm for reading, frequently borrowing books from the school library. The school ensures that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive the same curriculum as their peers, with appropriate adaptations to support their success.
The school fosters a friendly and polite atmosphere among pupils, who appreciate the encouragement and praise from staff. Safety is a priority, and while pupils acknowledge instances of unkind behavior, they feel confident in reporting such issues to adults, who they believe will address them effectively. In the early years, children benefit from a supportive curriculum that prepares them well for Year 1, following established routines and engaging in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities.
Snettisham Primary School excels in providing a challenging and well-planned curriculum that helps pupils build knowledge and retain information. Leaders actively identify gaps in pupils' understanding and ensure that well-trained staff provide the necessary support to help them keep pace with their peers. However, there are occasions when teachers do not adequately ensure that all pupils have mastered challenging concepts, resulting in a small number of pupils achieving less well than their peers.
Teachers at the school are well-trained and knowledgeable about their subjects, which contributes to pupils making good progress. The inclusion of pupils with special educational needs is a priority, with staff receiving support to make necessary adaptations for all learners. Reading is a key focus, with a structured reading curriculum that builds on pupils' knowledge and promotes strong progress from the moment they join the school. Robust systems are in place to monitor reading levels, and support is available for pupils who need to catch up.
Leaders emphasize positive behavior and high expectations, resulting in minimal disruption to learning. However, some pupils report that low-level disruptions can occasionally distract from their learning experience. The school offers various clubs and opportunities for pupils to engage in music and sports, as well as trips and assemblies that broaden their understanding of different communities. Despite these efforts, some pupils still lack a secure understanding of the diversity within modern Britain.
Governors and leaders have effectively evaluated the school's strengths and weaknesses, closely monitoring the quality of education. Staff training is of high quality, ensuring that nearly all pupils, including those with special educational needs, achieve well. Most parents express positive views about their children's experiences at the school.
The inspection team noted that while the school has implemented a personal development program, there is room for improvement in helping pupils understand the similarities and differences within communities. Leaders are encouraged to build on this program to better prepare pupils for life in modern Britain. Overall, Snettisham Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a strong emphasis on pupil well-being and academic progress.
