Goffs Oak Primary & Nursery School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils enjoy being at school. They learn in a calm, caring and compassionate environment.

They take pride in a wide range of learning opportunities. They are proud of the responsibilities and roles that they have, such as well-being ambassadors. Pupils look after each other and organise games at play times that include everyone.

Pupils feel safe. They understand what bullying is. They know it can happen, but teachers are good at sorting it out when it does occur.

Pupils trust the adults in school. They know if they have problems they can talk to anyone and they will get the help they need.

Pupils behave well.

They concentrate in their lesson...s and listen to their teachers and each other. Staff have high expectations of pupils' behaviour. Pupils meet these expectations because the rules are clear.

Pupils talk enthusiastically about their learning. Their enthusiasm is reflected by positive attitudes to learning. Pupils remember the important knowledge they learn over time in most subjects.

Pupils know that people are different and respect this. Staff encourage pupils to look after their mental health. Pupils look forward to the calming music and mindfulness sessions that help them to relax after busy times.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

Leaders have planned an ambitious curriculum. They are passionate about reading being at the centre of this curriculum. In most subjects, leaders have identified the important knowledge that they want pupils to learn, from the early years to Year 6.

They have organised this knowledge in a logical order. This helps teachers to teach well because it is clear what pupils need to know and when. In a few subjects, leaders' curriculum thinking is less clear.

When this is the case, teachers do not know the knowledge that pupils need to remember from each lesson. As a result, pupils do not progress as well as they could through the curriculum. However, by the end of Year 6 pupils have a firm foundation for learning in secondary school.

Leaders ensure staff, including teachers early in their careers, receive appropriate training to teach the curriculum. Teachers have good subject knowledge. They present information and explain things well to pupils.

Where leaders' curriculum thinking is well developed, teachers use appropriate activities and tasks that help pupils learn. This helps pupils to remember and use important knowledge to help them with future learning.

Teachers spot when pupils need extra help.

Teachers revisit aspects of the curriculum if pupils are not secure with their learning.

Staff have regular and effective training to teach the early reading curriculum. Pupils learn consistent lesson routines and expectations.

Teachers ensure that the books pupils read match the sounds that they are learning. This helps pupils build their confidence and understand what they are reading. Teachers help pupils keep up with their reading by providing 'keep-up sessions' if needed.

Pupils enjoy reading. They learn to read fluently and with confidence. Older pupils can discuss their reading maturely, including their favourite books and authors.

Leaders identify pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) quickly. Leaders work well with parents to ensure that pupils receive appropriate help and support. Teachers plan and adapt their teaching for pupils with SEND effectively.

They know pupils' individual needs well. Pupils with SEND benefit from the same broad and balanced curriculum as their friends.

Teachers have high expectations of pupils' behaviour.

Pupils respond well. Adults set out expectations and routines from the very start in the early years. Pupils develop positive attitudes to learning.

They are excited and interested by learning. Pupils talk confidently about what they have learned. They behave well in lessons and around school.

Pupils' learning is rarely interrupted by poor behaviour.

Leaders prioritise pupils' personal development. Pupils understand the importance of physical health and how it impacts on their well-being.

They learn what healthy relationships look like and how to stay safe when working online.

Governors work effectively with the school to support and challenge leaders. They know the school well because they choose to visit regularly.

They have regular training to ensure they are updated and understand their roles, including the safeguarding of pupils and staff.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective

Leaders make appropriate checks on staff and visitors to school. Staff are well trained to identify, record and pass on any worries or concerns that they may have.

This includes concerns about other adults. Leaders work well with a range of agencies to ensure that pupils and families get the help they need to keep pupils safe. Pupils learn what healthy relationships look like and how to stay safe online.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• In a few subjects, leaders have not clearly identified the important knowledge, including vocabulary, that pupils need to know at each stage of their learning. As a result, teachers are not always clear which aspects of learning pupils need to remember to help with future learning. Leaders must ensure that in all subjects they identify the important knowledge that pupils need to know so that teachers can plan activities and sequences of learning that build effectively on pupils' previous learning.