Ogbourne C of E Primary School, located in Ogbourne St George, Wiltshire, has recently undergone an inspection on November 21 and 22, 2023. The school has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The headteacher, Lucy Crump, leads the school, which is part of the Excalibur Academies Trust, overseen by CEO Nicky Edmondson and a board of trustees chaired by Toby Watson.
The school fosters a harmonious environment where pupils embody values such as friendship, integrity, respect, and effort. This is evident in the way students care for one another, with one pupil expressing the importance of kindness. Parents appreciate the strong relationships staff build with their children, and there are high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The leadership has made significant improvements to the curriculum, ensuring that pupils learn effectively.
Pupils exhibit good behaviour and feel safe at school, with rare instances of bullying. They are confident that staff will assist them in resolving any issues. The school encourages a culture of earning praise points for good work and actions, which contributes to pupils' pride in their achievements. Leadership opportunities are provided, allowing older pupils to support younger ones, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Educational trips to historical sites enhance pupils' understanding of their heritage.
The curriculum is broad and ambitious, carefully sequenced to build knowledge year on year. By Year 6, pupils demonstrate a solid understanding of various artistic media. The curriculum's small steps of knowledge are well-defined, aiding teachers in their instruction. However, some subjects are newly introduced, leading to gaps in knowledge for some pupils. Teachers may not fully recognize these gaps due to insufficient checks on what pupils know and can do, resulting in challenges in understanding new content.
Pupils are confident readers, thanks to a strong emphasis on reading from an early age. The school implements a phonics scheme effectively, with staff trained to support pupils who may fall behind. The reading newsletter keeps reading a priority for families, sharing tips and new texts to engage students.
The mathematics curriculum is well-designed, with a focus on developing a secure understanding of numbers in Reception. However, some teachers lack the necessary guidance to implement the curriculum effectively, leading to variability in teaching methods. This can hinder some pupils' grasp of mathematical concepts.
The school effectively identifies pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they access the same curriculum as their peers. Collaboration with external agencies secures necessary support for these pupils, allowing them to learn well.
Pupils enjoy attending school, with high attendance rates. They follow routines and expectations, developing independence and resilience in their learning. The school environment promotes cooperative play during social times, with various activities available.
Leaders aim to empower pupils to make positive changes in the world, fostering tolerance and respect for differences. Pupils engage in meaningful discussions about democracy and social issues, demonstrating a deep understanding of British values.
Trustees and local governors are well-informed about the school, and staff benefit from support across the trust, which has helped reduce their workload. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve, the school needs to provide teachers with the necessary guidance for delivering the mathematics curriculum effectively. Additionally, assessment practices in some subjects require strengthening to ensure that pupils learn and retain the curriculum effectively.