Guyhirn C of E VC Primary School, located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, was inspected on 15 and 16 November 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision receiving outstanding ratings. The school has not been previously inspected under section five of the Education Act 2005.
The school fosters an inclusive environment where every pupil feels valued and cared for. Leaders are dedicated to nurturing well-rounded and empathetic citizens. Staff prioritize understanding and supporting both pupils and their families, resulting in warm and open relationships. Pupils express enjoyment in attending school, appreciating the rich curriculum and well-planned events, including visits from professionals. A variety of clubs, such as forest school and British Sign Language, are offered to cultivate pupils' interests and talents. Older pupils particularly value opportunities for residential trips.
Pupils exhibit calm behaviour in classrooms and during social times, demonstrating positive attitudes towards learning. The school promotes values such as kindness through assemblies and the curriculum. Staff effectively support pupils in discussing and managing their behaviour, contributing to a positive school atmosphere. Bullying is reported as rare, and pupils trust staff to address any issues that may arise. Parents hold the school in high regard, highlighting the genuine care staff have for each pupil.
Leaders have made significant efforts to establish a well-sequenced curriculum that meets pupils' needs. Regular monitoring by leaders and governors ensures the curriculum's effectiveness, with adjustments made as necessary. However, some older pupils struggle to remember core knowledge in certain subjects due to the introduction of new content. Teachers are beginning to use assessment to tailor the curriculum to pupils' needs and to check their understanding.
Reading has been prioritized throughout the school, with leaders enhancing phonics teaching through a unified approach. This has led to quicker and more accurate reading among pupils. Teachers regularly assess pupils' reading progress, identifying those who need additional support, which has proven effective in helping them catch up.
In the early years, leaders focus on improving children's spoken language, with staff serving as excellent role models. Children engage enthusiastically in activities that develop their language skills, and teachers involve parents in phonics lessons to reinforce learning at home. This approach ensures children make a strong start to their school life.
The school effectively identifies pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, providing tailored support through well-trained staff. Pupils demonstrate maturity and respect in their interactions, contributing to a focused learning environment. The school offers a comprehensive program to enhance pupils' social and cultural understanding, including studies of various world faiths. Pupils are encouraged to participate in school governance and community activities, fostering a sense of responsibility and empathy.
Governors and the trust are knowledgeable about the school and its challenges, providing balanced support and challenge to leaders. Staff feel included in the school improvement process and report high job satisfaction, with leaders being considerate of their workload.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize signs of harm and prioritize pupils' well-being. The school maintains necessary safeguarding records and conducts timely checks on new staff.
To improve, the school should enhance the monitoring of assessment practices to quickly identify when pupils have not understood or remembered key curriculum aspects. Overall, Guyhirn C of E VC Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
