Gresham Village School, located in Gresham, Norwich, is recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 8, 2022. The school provides a positive learning environment where pupils express enjoyment in their studies and find the curriculum engaging. Students are eager to participate in class discussions and take pride in their achievements, attributing their success to the supportive nature of their teachers. The school fosters a sense of safety and care among its pupils, who feel secure and well-supported in their educational journey.
Pupils are educated on maintaining their safety both in school and online, with bullying being infrequent and addressed promptly by staff when it occurs. The behavior of students is commendable, characterized by politeness and respect. Established classroom routines enhance focus and maximize learning opportunities. The school’s values are well understood by the pupils, aiding in their social interactions and cooperation skills, which are further developed through various roles and responsibilities within the school community.
The curriculum is thoughtfully sequenced and ambitious, with leaders implementing effective schemes for teaching phonics and mathematics, enabling pupils to progress well. Teachers are adept at adapting resources to meet individual needs, providing clear explanations and maintaining familiar routines that support concentration. Regular assessments of phonics knowledge ensure that pupils receive additional support when necessary, and a rich selection of reading materials is available to enhance their literacy skills.
Recent enhancements to the wider curriculum have been made, with leaders focusing on essential content that pupils will learn. Teachers are enthusiastic and collaborate on lesson planning, which has resulted in pupils finding their lessons more interesting and retaining more information. However, some subject plans lack detail, particularly regarding assessment and the overall implementation of the curriculum. This indicates a need for leaders to develop a comprehensive overview of how well the curriculum is being learned across all subjects.
In the early years, children benefit from an improved curriculum that emphasizes vocabulary development and prepares them for future learning. The behavior of pupils in lessons is exemplary, supported by high expectations from teachers and leaders. Various clubs and responsibilities are available for pupils, promoting their interests and talents while also enhancing their cultural awareness through assemblies and community engagement.
The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they can thrive and participate fully in school life. Leaders collaborate with specialists and maintain strong communication with parents to facilitate the educational journey of these pupils.
The school’s leadership is supported by the local governing body and trust leaders, who provide a framework that allows staff to focus on improving educational quality. Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff receiving regular training and appropriate checks in place to ensure the safety of all pupils.
While the school demonstrates many strengths, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the assessment of the wider curriculum and the precision of subject plans. Leaders are encouraged to refine the curriculum further to ensure that all pupils receive a solid foundation in their learning. Overall, Gresham Village School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational environment for its pupils.
