Turnditch Church of England Primary School, located in Belper, Derbyshire, was inspected on January 21-22, 2020, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has a warm and welcoming environment where pupils feel safe and valued. The relationships between staff and students are characterized by care and support, fostering a sense of belonging among the school community. Parents and carers describe the school as a close-knit family, and they express overwhelming satisfaction with the education their children receive.
The school has high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders have made significant strides in improving the curriculum, although there is still work to be done to ensure consistency across all subjects. Pupils demonstrate good behavior both in class and around the school, and they report that bullying is not a concern. They feel confident that staff will address any worries they may have.
Pupils benefit from a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including music and community events, which enhance their educational experience. During the inspection, pupils showcased their talents in a brass concert, highlighting the school's commitment to fostering creativity and community engagement. The positive feedback from parents reinforces the school's reputation as a supportive and effective educational institution.
The school has focused on refining its curriculum, with subject plans outlining what pupils will learn and when. However, there is a need for clearer definitions of the key knowledge that pupils should retain over time. While teachers employ various assessment methods to gauge pupil understanding, there is room for improvement in ensuring that these assessments effectively measure long-term retention of knowledge.
The school excels in teaching early reading, prioritizing it as a key area of focus. Staff provide targeted support to children who require additional practice, ensuring that reading materials are appropriately matched to their learning needs. Mathematics instruction is also strong, with leaders investing time in enhancing the quality of education in this subject, resulting in positive outcomes for pupils.
In science, there is a structured program that outlines learning objectives, and teachers build on prior knowledge effectively. However, some pupils struggle with long-term retention of what they have learned, indicating a need for strategies that reinforce memory and understanding.
Pupils exhibit respectful behavior and engage in activities that promote responsible citizenship. They participate in various musical and sporting opportunities, which contribute to their personal development. In the early years, staff provide engaging activities that cater to children's interests and developmental stages, fostering a love for learning from a young age.
Leaders are mindful of staff workload and have provided professional development opportunities, although not all staff have accessed training that could further enhance their practice. The trust overseeing the school has a clear understanding of its strengths and areas for improvement.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to recognize and report concerns regarding pupil welfare. Pupils receive education on personal safety, equipping them with the knowledge to protect themselves.
To improve further, leaders must ensure that the essential knowledge pupils need to remember is clearly defined across all subjects. Additionally, assessment strategies should be refined to better track long-term retention of knowledge, allowing for targeted interventions when necessary. Overall, Turnditch Church of England Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education while fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for all its pupils.
