Guilsborough Church of England Primary School, located in Northamptonshire, was inspected on July 12 and 13, 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good across all areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school has not been previously inspected under section five of the Education Act 2005.
The school fosters a welcoming environment where staff greet pupils each morning, contributing to a positive atmosphere that encourages attendance and enthusiasm for learning. The caring ethos of the school ensures that pupils feel safe and valued. Teachers maintain high expectations, motivating pupils to achieve their best. This is evident in the engaging projects pupils undertake, such as the recent work on little people, big dreams. Older pupils take on leadership roles by organizing lunchtime activities for younger students, promoting a sense of community and collaboration among different year groups. Pupils report that bullying is not an issue, and they appreciate the inclusive nature of the school.
The school offers a broad and ambitious curriculum that is designed to build on pupils' prior knowledge. Leaders have carefully considered how subjects interlink, enhancing pupils' understanding. For instance, the study of plants in science supports geographical learning about the Amazon rainforest in Year Six. However, this level of planning is not yet consistent across all subjects, leading to some gaps in knowledge acquisition in certain areas. While teachers generally demonstrate good subject knowledge, there are a few subjects where this is lacking, impacting pupils' achievement, particularly in art and design and technology.
Reading instruction begins in Reception, with a consistent approach that aligns reading materials with pupils' phonetic knowledge. This effective strategy helps pupils develop a love for reading, supported by targeted interventions for those who need additional help. The early years provision is strong, with staff modeling good manners and encouraging language development through interactive play and carefully chosen activities.
Pupils exhibit good behavior, demonstrating politeness and respect throughout the school. The environment is calm and orderly, reflecting the school's values. Opportunities for personal development are well-planned, with pupils participating in leadership roles and engaging in discussions about social and moral issues. They learn about different cultures and British values, preparing them to be active citizens.
Staff morale is high, with many expressing pride in their work and feeling supported by school leaders. The governance structure, including the trust and the academy governance committee, provides effective oversight and support for the school.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff trained to recognize and report concerns. Leaders are proactive in providing support for at-risk pupils and work closely with external agencies to ensure their well-being. The curriculum also addresses potential risks, including online safety.
To improve further, the school needs to ensure that all subjects have well-defined plans that identify essential knowledge for pupils to learn and remember. Additionally, training for teachers in specific foundation subjects is necessary to enhance their subject knowledge, ensuring that all pupils receive effective instruction. Overall, Guilsborough Church of England Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment for all its pupils.
