White House Farm is a primary school located in Norwich, which has recently undergone its first inspection since opening in September 2019. The inspection took place on February 14 and 15, 2024, and the school received an overall effectiveness rating of good across various categories, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. Notably, the early years provision was rated as outstanding.
The headteacher, Lisa Cannell, leads the school, which is part of the Sapientia Education Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Jonathan Taylor and a board of trustees chaired by Peter Rout. The school emphasizes its core values of respect, resilience, and reflection, which are evident in the positive attitudes of the pupils. Students are described as polite, friendly, and kind, with rare incidents of bullying reported. They feel safe and supported, knowing they can seek help from adults when needed.
Pupils at White House Farm engage actively with their community, participating in initiatives such as growing and providing fresh produce to local families. The school prioritizes giving every pupil a voice, encouraging them to express their feelings and opinions. This has led to the introduction of new activities based on pupil requests, fostering a sense of value and confidence among students. School leaders aim to expand this initiative to include discussions on global issues like sustainability.
The early years curriculum is highly effective, with staff well-informed about how children learn. Regular assessments allow for tailored learning experiences that immerse children in their education. The school prepares pupils for future learning by linking current topics to upcoming curriculum requirements. Reading is a key focus, with structured daily practice ensuring that all pupils develop fluency in reading.
The curriculum is ambitious, with high expectations set for pupil learning across core and foundation subjects. While the core subjects are taught in a structured manner, there is a need for greater consistency in the foundation subjects to ensure all pupils achieve the intended learning outcomes. Some gaps in knowledge have been identified due to inconsistent assessment practices in these subjects. The school recognizes this and has plans to address it.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is effective, with precise plans in place to ensure they can access the full curriculum. Staff manage behavior consistently, allowing for uninterrupted learning. The school has established strong ties with the local community, offering programs that enhance pupils' personal development and readiness to learn.
The trust provides effective support and challenge to the school, recognizing its strengths while also identifying areas for improvement. Staff feel valued and supported, with their well-being considered by school leaders. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
In summary, White House Farm is a school that demonstrates a commitment to high standards in education and personal development. While it has many strengths, particularly in early years provision and community engagement, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the consistency of assessment practices across foundation subjects. The school is well-positioned to build on its successes and continue to enhance the educational experience for its pupils.
