North Cadbury Church of England Primary School, located in Somerset, was inspected on September 19 and 20, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school is part of the Preston Primary Academy Trust and is led by headteacher Lisa Thompson. The school serves children aged 2 to 11 and has a total enrollment of 77 pupils. The inspection highlighted the warm relationships between staff and pupils, noting that the small size of the school allows staff to know pupils and their families well. Pupils feel secure and happy, engaging positively with one another and participating in school activities together.
The quality of education at North Cadbury is rated as good, with high expectations set by staff. Pupils enjoy their lessons and achieve well, demonstrating strong performance in published outcomes. The school promotes values of respect and dignity, fostering a caring environment where bullying is rare and promptly addressed. The curriculum is broad and ambitious, with a focus on early mathematics and literacy for younger pupils, ensuring they are well-prepared for future learning stages. The school employs a mixed-age group learning model, allowing pupils to build on their knowledge over time.
Extracurricular activities are plentiful, with a variety of trips and clubs that are well-attended. These activities not only support the curriculum but also expose pupils to cultural experiences. For instance, older pupils have the opportunity to visit major cities like London and Cardiff. The school also emphasizes music education, with all pupils learning to play instruments such as the flute.
The school has effective systems in place to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive appropriate assistance early in their education. Staff are trained to adapt their teaching to meet the needs of these pupils, contributing to their overall success. The reading program is implemented almost immediately for Reception Year children, with a strong emphasis on phonics and tracking progress to ensure all pupils keep up.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Attendance has been a concern, with a minority of pupils not attending regularly. The school has recently revised its attendance policies and communicated expectations to staff and parents, but it is essential that these systems are fully embedded to address attendance issues effectively. Additionally, while monitoring processes are in place, the school needs to ensure that detailed evaluations inform future planning and actions.
The personal, social, and health education curriculum is well-structured, teaching pupils about healthy relationships and personal well-being. Older pupils take on leadership roles, contributing to the school community and supporting younger students. The school is also looking forward to the opening of new classrooms, which is anticipated to enhance the learning environment further.
Overall, North Cadbury Church of England Primary School is a nurturing and effective educational institution that provides a solid foundation for its pupils. The commitment to high standards, supportive relationships, and a broad curriculum contributes to a positive learning experience, while ongoing efforts to improve attendance and planning will further enhance the school's effectiveness.
