Pupils feel safe at village school

Staff at a South Holland school have created ‘a warm and welcoming’ environment where pupils feel safe, says a recent report.

Cowbit St Mary’s Church of England Primary was inspected by Ofsted and a report published last week.

“Pupils are polite and well behaved. Pupils told inspectors that bullying is not tolerated and does not really happen at their school,” the report says.

Inspectors said the school requires improvement over all, but was good in behaviour and attitude, and personal development.

“Pupils appreciate the care and support they receive. They know that staff will act promptly if they post a concern in the ‘Worry Box’. One pupil, typical of many, said; ‘if I ever feel distressed, you can always go to the teachers and they will always help, they’re always there for us.’

The report also highlights that children understand the school’s values of forgiveness, trust, responsibilty, perseverance, compassion and respect.

“As one pupil stated: ‘We focus on a new value every half-term. We try hard to behave like them and show them.’”

There is praise for the teaching of science and maths where learning is planned in ‘logical order, with skills taught in small steps.

“Teachers go over what pupils have learned in the past and help pupils remember what they need to know,” the inspectors noted.

But they also said in the early years, the curriculum was not planned in sufficient detail.

“Leaders are not sure how the early years connect to learning in other subjects as children get older,” says the report.

Pupils have a positive attitude towards reading and enjoy story time, although younger pupils are not always given books to read that match the letter sounds they know.

“This prevents them from developing their confidence and fluency,” the report adds.

The teaching of phonics is one area highlighted for improvement by the inspectors, who visited last month.