Chelmondiston Church of England Primary School, located in Ipswich, Suffolk, has been rated as good in its recent inspection. The school, which caters to children aged four to eleven, has a total enrollment of 111 pupils and operates under a sponsor-led academy model. The headteacher, Lesley Etchingham, has been in position since September 2020, and the school has not been previously inspected under the current framework.
The inspection highlighted that children enjoy attending school, feeling happy, safe, and free from bullying. The school promotes good behavior through three core rules: respecting others, being ready to learn, and following instructions. In assemblies, pupils engage in prayer and singing, fostering a sense of community and celebrating achievements. The small size of the school allows for strong relationships between staff and pupils, ensuring that each child is known well. During the COVID-19 pandemic, school leaders took proactive measures to ensure that all pupils, especially those vulnerable, remained engaged in learning and safe.
The early years provision is effective, with new children settling quickly into the Reception class. They learn essential social skills such as taking turns and making friends, supported by daily lessons in reading and mathematics. Reading is emphasized throughout the school, with older pupils expected to read daily both at school and at home. The curriculum has seen improvements, particularly in mathematics and science, with new resources enhancing the learning experience. The school ensures equal opportunities for all pupils, regardless of gender, in both the curriculum and extracurricular activities.
Parents have expressed appreciation for the improvements made by the new headteacher, particularly valuing additional opportunities such as after-school clubs and outdoor learning experiences. The support provided for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is also praised, highlighting the school's commitment to inclusivity.
While the school has made significant strides in developing an ambitious curriculum, some areas require further attention. The teaching of early reading has shown inconsistencies, prompting leaders to plan for increased phonics instruction and additional staff training. In the early years, children are provided with a stimulating learning environment, but there is a need to ensure that phonics teaching is consistently applied across all classes.
The curriculum for personal, social, and health education is still developing, and leaders recognize the need for a more comprehensive approach to ensure pupils gain a full understanding of the subject. The school has effective procedures in place to support pupils with special educational needs, with a dedicated coordinator overseeing their needs and ensuring that teachers adapt the curriculum accordingly.
Pupils demonstrate good behavior and attendance, reflecting the school's values of equality, courage, caring, resilience, and respect. They are described as polite and well-mannered, with high expectations set for their conduct. The school has established effective safeguarding arrangements, ensuring that staff are trained to recognize and respond to concerns regarding pupil safety.
The governing body and trustees work collaboratively to oversee the school's development, demonstrating a clear understanding of its strengths and areas for improvement. The headteacher values the support provided by the multi-academy trust, which continues to assist in the school's progress.
Overall, Chelmondiston Church of England Primary School is a good school that provides a supportive and nurturing environment for its pupils. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in the consistency of early reading instruction and the development of the PSHE curriculum, the school is well-positioned to continue its positive trajectory.
