Cropwell Bishop Primary School, located in Nottinghamshire, has been evaluated as a good school following its inspection on November 2 and 3, 2022. The school is characterized by a warm and welcoming environment where pupils feel happy and safe. The values of pride, perseverance, kindness, and respect are reflected in the behavior and attitudes of the students, who are noted for their politeness and good manners. The school has established a caring culture that prioritizes the needs of pupils, fostering positive relationships among staff and students.
Leaders at the school maintain high expectations for all pupils, which is evident in their positive behavior and readiness to learn. Incidents of poor behavior are rare, and pupils understand the consequences of not adhering to school rules. Bullying is infrequent, and pupils trust that staff will address any issues promptly. The school has effective reward systems in place, encouraging pupils to earn points for demonstrating the school’s values, with older pupils taking on responsibilities that contribute to the school community.
The curriculum has been revised to ensure that key knowledge and skills are identified for pupils from early years to Year 6. Leaders have provided training for teachers to enhance their subject leadership, with a strong focus on supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Regular assessments are conducted to gauge pupils' understanding, although there are areas for improvement in utilizing this information to inform future planning. While some subjects, such as history, show strong retention of knowledge, others require further development to ensure consistency across the curriculum.
Reading is prioritized, with a systematic phonics program implemented from the early years. Staff are trained to support early reading, and resources are aligned with pupils' phonetic knowledge. Leaders monitor reading progress closely, providing additional support for those who may be falling behind. Pupils express enjoyment in reading and have access to a variety of books that interest them.
In the early years, children are reported to have a positive start to their education, engaging well with their learning environment and developing resilience. The school ensures that pupils with SEND have access to the full curriculum, with teachers adapting their approaches to meet individual needs. Leaders promote broader development through assemblies focused on British values and a variety of extracurricular activities that nurture pupils' interests in music, art, and sports.
Pupils demonstrate an understanding of diverse cultures and faiths, celebrating differences through various cultural events throughout the year. They are educated on maintaining healthy relationships and personal safety, including internet safety. While attendance management systems have improved, there are still areas for development regarding the organization and record-keeping for SEND provision. Leaders are encouraged to enhance their identification of pupils' needs to ensure effective support.
Staff express pride in their work at the school, with leaders considering their workload and well-being. New teachers receive support to develop their practice, and governance structures are in place to challenge and support school leaders effectively. The safeguarding arrangements are robust, with all staff trained to recognize and respond to potential vulnerabilities among pupils. Overall, the school is committed to continuous improvement, with a focus on ensuring that all pupils achieve their potential and are well-prepared for their future educational journeys.
