Gunthorpe CofE Primary School, located in Nottinghamshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on October 6, 2021. The school embodies its motto of Feeding minds, touching hearts, striving to create a friendly, loving, and safe environment for its pupils. The leadership team is dedicated to ensuring that students learn effectively and enjoy their time at school. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was felt by both pupils and staff, with many expressing joy at returning to in-person learning and reconnecting with friends and teachers.
The school fosters a culture of kindness among its students, with rare instances of arguments or bullying. Disagreements are promptly addressed by adults, ensuring a harmonious atmosphere. From an early age, pupils demonstrate eagerness to learn, actively engaging with their teachers and taking pride in their achievements. Older students particularly enjoy sharing their learning experiences, such as reciting poems they have memorized.
Gunthorpe prepares its pupils well for their future educational endeavors, with parents and carers expressing overwhelming satisfaction with the school's efforts, especially during the lockdowns. They commend the staff for their accessibility, support, and genuine interest in the students' progress during remote learning.
The school’s leadership, staff, and governors are ambitious for all pupils to succeed. They have implemented a curriculum that satisfies students' desire for knowledge, clearly outlining what they are expected to learn and remember. This structured approach allows pupils to build their knowledge and skills progressively, contributing to their overall achievement.
Reading is a central focus of the curriculum, with phonics instruction beginning in the first week of Reception. The teaching of phonics is effective, with staff closely monitoring each pupil's progress and providing additional support to those at risk of falling behind. This support continues beyond Year 2, with regular reading sessions helping less confident readers develop fluency. Pupils express enthusiasm for the books they read in class, demonstrating thoughtful engagement with the material.
While the curriculum is well-structured in most subjects, there are areas that require improvement. In subjects such as French, music, and design technology, the clarity of what pupils should learn and remember is lacking. This has resulted in difficulties for pupils in recalling prior learning in these subjects. Additionally, the effectiveness of support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities has not been adequately assessed, leaving leaders without a clear understanding of its impact on learning.
The school’s Christian ethos plays a significant role in supporting pupils' personal development, with a curriculum that extends beyond academics to include experiences that inspire and raise aspirations. Staff report high job satisfaction and feel valued within the school community. Governors and trust representatives are knowledgeable and supportive, focusing on continuous improvement for the benefit of the pupils.
The safeguarding arrangements at Gunthorpe are effective, with staff well-trained to recognize and address any concerns regarding pupil welfare. They maintain strong relationships with families and other agencies to provide appropriate support. The curriculum also includes lessons on safety in various situations, ensuring pupils are equipped to handle challenges.
In summary, Gunthorpe CofE Primary School continues to be a good school, with a strong commitment to pupil welfare, academic achievement, and personal development. However, there are areas for growth, particularly in the clarity of curriculum expectations in certain subjects and the assessment of support for pupils with special educational needs.
