Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Seagrave Village Primary School on 26 March 2019, following the previous inspection in January 2016, which rated the school as good. The current inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain its good status. The leadership team, under the new headteacher, Mrs. Kate Litchfield, has effectively managed the school through a period of leadership changes, establishing strong relationships with staff, pupils, and parents. There is a collective commitment to further improvement, with clear plans in place to address identified strengths and areas for development.
Pupils at Seagrave Village Primary School exhibit positive behaviors, demonstrating enthusiasm and friendliness. They engage thoughtfully in discussions about their learning and express a strong sense of belonging within the school community. Their attendance rates are above the national average, and they benefit from the supportive relationships fostered by staff. Parents have expressed high levels of satisfaction with the school's leadership and the improvements made since the new headteacher's appointment, highlighting the balance between academic and social-emotional development.
The school has made significant strides in promoting a love for reading among pupils, who frequently read both at home and in school. Teachers actively monitor reading choices, encouraging pupils to explore a diverse range of texts. The school library has been revamped, and pupils are excited about engaging with challenging literature. Leaders have successfully addressed previous areas for improvement, ensuring that the school website is informative and regularly updated, and have introduced effective communication methods to keep parents informed about their children's learning.
The monitoring program established by the leadership team is effective, with comprehensive improvement plans in place. Governors are actively involved in this process, ensuring accountability and transparency. The school has also focused on enhancing the quality of teachers' assessments, which has led to more accurate planning and teaching. Regular meetings with teachers allow for the identification of pupils needing additional support, contributing to improved progress across the school.
Curriculum development has been a priority, with staff working collaboratively to ensure that knowledge and skills are built progressively across subjects. Pupils have access to a variety of hands-on learning experiences, such as visits from local farmers and engaging projects like the Viking experience. While there is still work to be done in refining curriculum planning, the school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities that enrich pupils' learning and personal development.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff receiving regular training and maintaining comprehensive records of referrals. Parents report that their children feel safe at school, and pupils demonstrate a clear understanding of safety practices. The school has implemented initiatives to address bullying, with pupils feeling confident in reporting concerns to trusted adults.
The inspection findings indicate that the school has effectively managed leadership changes and improved teaching quality. While pupils' attainment in key stage two has shown improvement, particularly in mathematics, there is a need for continued focus on challenging pupils to reach higher standards. The school is committed to sustaining recent improvements in curriculum planning and assessment practices, ensuring that all pupils receive the support they need to thrive academically and personally.
