Chalgrove Community Primary School is recognized as a good school, situated in a small village that plays a vital role in the local community. The school emphasizes values such as respect, responsibility, and readiness to learn, which are integral to its culture. Staff members maintain high expectations for both the academic and social development of pupils, providing numerous opportunities for them to engage with local issues, such as discussing litter with the parish council. This approach fosters a sense of responsibility among students, particularly regarding environmental and sports initiatives.
Parents express confidence in the safety and well-being of their children, attributing this to the caring nature of the staff. Pupils exhibit good behavior and respond positively to the rewards system implemented by the school. They engage attentively with their teachers and collaborate effectively during lessons, with incidents of bullying being infrequent. The school aims to prepare pupils to be effective global citizens, exemplified by their connections with students in South Africa, which broadens their understanding of life in different cultures.
The school boasts an impressive library that is spacious, bright, and inviting, filled with a diverse range of fiction and non-fiction books. This resource encourages pupils to explore various subjects and develop a love for reading. The curriculum is well-structured and sequenced, outlining clear learning objectives for each year group. This curriculum positively influences pupil outcomes, with key stage one results aligning with national averages in reading and mathematics, and surpassing them in writing. Although there was a decline in Year six results last year, current pupils are making significant progress across various subjects.
Teachers are well-trained and adept at helping pupils identify and correct errors in their learning. They typically provide challenging work that promotes gradual understanding. The school effectively supports the pastoral care of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, although the academic support plans for these pupils could be more precise to ensure they achieve strong progress in their learning.
Phonics instruction is prioritized, with children starting to learn letter sounds in Nursery. By Reception, they effectively utilize their phonics skills, leading to a higher percentage of children achieving a good level of development in reading compared to their peers in other schools. As pupils advance, teachers assist them in becoming fluent readers, providing additional support for those who struggle.
Pupils take pride in their school, demonstrating good behavior and reporting no significant bullying issues. Attendance rates are on par with national averages, although there is room for improvement among pupils eligible for additional funding. The school offers a robust wider curriculum that enhances pupils' knowledge across various subjects, including environmental studies and local history, which enriches their learning experience.
Extracurricular activities are plentiful, with clubs such as yoga, soccer, cooking, and dance being popular among pupils. The school choir also provides opportunities for students to perform at notable venues. Early years education is effective, with children in Nursery and Reception feeling secure and happy, and parents praising the engaging and creative learning environment.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with parents confident in the safety of their children. Staff are well-trained to recognize signs of abuse and respond promptly to any concerns. Overall, while the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement, particularly in the academic support for pupils with special educational needs and in ensuring consistent attendance among all students.
