Crawford’s Church of England Primary School, located in Haughley, Suffolk, has been evaluated as a good school following its inspection on January 24 and 25, 2023. The school provides a positive environment where pupils are happy and engaged in their learning. They enjoy strong relationships with adults and demonstrate good behavior and a strong work ethic during lessons. The curriculum is designed to foster a love of learning, and pupils show enthusiasm for their studies, particularly in reading and mathematics. The school has implemented an improved curriculum that allows all pupils to access planned learning, with additional support provided for those who need it.
Pupils benefit from a wide range of resources that encourage exploration and play, contributing to their personal development. They engage in various activities, such as building dens and creating collaborative artworks, which promote teamwork and creativity. The school emphasizes the importance of safety and inclusion, with pupils looking out for one another during play.
The leadership team has established a well-structured curriculum across most subjects, ensuring that teachers are equipped with detailed plans that outline key vocabulary and concepts. However, there are a few subjects where the curriculum lacks detail, and leaders are working to enhance these areas. The school day has been lengthened to provide ample time for both academic learning and play, which is crucial for the holistic development of pupils.
Staff members are skilled in teaching early reading, and they effectively support pupils in developing their reading skills. The books provided for home reading are well-matched to the pupils' abilities, promoting accurate and comprehensive reading. Older pupils express a fondness for reading and can identify a variety of favorite authors.
Writing is another area where pupils generally excel, with many producing high-quality work. However, there are inconsistencies in how writing and handwriting are taught across different year groups, leading to some pupils not having enough opportunities to practice their writing skills in subjects beyond English. This inconsistency can result in issues with handwriting quality and letter formation.
The school has effective safeguarding measures in place, with staff trained to identify risks and maintain detailed records of any concerns. There is a strong partnership between staff and families, ensuring that pupils receive the necessary support. Pupils are educated about safety, both online and in physical environments, and they understand how to seek help if needed.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Leaders need to enhance the curriculum planning for a few subjects and outdoor learning to ensure that important knowledge and skills are clearly identified and built upon over time. Additionally, the teaching of writing and handwriting needs to be standardized across the school to ensure that all pupils have sufficient opportunities to practice and improve their skills.
Overall, Crawford’s Church of England Primary School is a good school that provides a supportive and engaging learning environment for its pupils. The leadership team is committed to continuous improvement, and with targeted efforts in specific areas, the school can further enhance the educational experience for all its students.
