Barnby and North Cove Community Primary School, located in Suffolk, has been evaluated as a good school following its inspection on February 8 and 9, 2022. The school offers an ambitious curriculum that encourages pupils to explore significant concepts about their role in the world. Despite being a small school, it fosters a rich learning environment where pupils develop a love for reading, supported by effective teaching strategies that promote proficiency in literacy. The pupils express enthusiasm for the books read by their teachers, indicating a positive engagement with literature.
The school has established a pupil parliament that is well-regarded by both staff and students. This initiative allows pupils to voice their ideas through a suggestion box, empowering them to influence changes within the school. The trust’s online learning platform further supports pupils in cultivating traits that contribute to their success both academically and personally. Behaviour among pupils is commendable, with a clear understanding of the rules and routines set by staff. During break and lunchtime, pupils enjoy playing together and appreciate the variety of play equipment available. They report minimal issues with behaviour and bullying, feeling confident that staff will address any concerns promptly, which contributes to their overall sense of happiness and safety at school.
The school excels in its approach to early reading, benefiting from the trust's support through regular training and resources. Staff effectively teach reading, making necessary adaptations to the phonics curriculum to ensure that children in the early years can start reading successfully. Pupils are provided with books that they can read independently, which helps build their confidence and fluency. Leaders have a clear understanding of the curriculum, outlining what knowledge pupils will acquire from Nursery to Year 6. Most teachers implement these plans effectively, integrating the school’s values and themes into the learning process. For instance, pupils in Years 3 and 4 study multicultural Roman Britain, aligning with the school’s goal of fostering a broad understanding of identity and diversity.
Assessment systems are in place across all subjects, and teachers generally use these tools effectively to gauge pupils' understanding and identify areas needing support. However, there are instances where teachers do not fully address pupils' misconceptions, which can hinder some students' grasp of the subject matter. The school has a robust system for identifying pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that appropriate support is provided in a timely manner. This collaboration with the trust’s inclusion team allows for effective monitoring of these pupils' progress.
Leaders prioritize training staff to manage pupil behaviour, creating an environment conducive to learning and positive interactions. The school has maintained a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs for learning Spanish, coding, and times tables, despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic. Attendance management has been a focus for leaders, who have worked sensitively with parents to address concerns about returning to school. However, attendance remains a challenge, particularly for pupils with special educational needs and disadvantaged pupils, which affects their learning experience.
While many parents express satisfaction with the support their children receive, some have raised concerns about communication from the school regarding systems, curriculum, and their child's progress. Leaders are aware of these concerns and have plans to improve communication, although these plans have yet to be implemented. The trustees closely monitor the school, commending leaders for their successes while also challenging them to address areas needing improvement. Staff feel valued and respected, contributing to a positive learning environment for pupils.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with thorough checks on staff and training provided to ensure that all staff can identify and respond to potential risks to pupils. Staff are confident in using the online reporting system for concerns, and leaders follow up on these concerns appropriately, collaborating with external agencies to support vulnerable families. Overall, Barnby and North Cove Community Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and a supportive environment for its pupils, with clear areas identified for further improvement in attendance and communication with parents.
