Lowdham CofE Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Lowdham CofE Primary School provides a joyful learning environment. Pupils express an enormous sense of pride that they are part of such a happy and caring school. They make positive contributions to the success of the school.

They take responsibility for their own behaviour and support others to be the best that they can be. Pupils live out the school's motto to, 'shine like stars'.

Leaders have the highest expectations for what pupils can achieve.

Pupils value their learning. They work hard in lessons. The work they produce across the curriculum is impressive.

Leaders also have a clear vision for the character they want pupils to develop. This is u...nderpinned by the values of the school. Pupils learn to love others, join in, do their best, reach out and never give up.

Relationships between adults and pupils are based on trust and respect. Kindness is at the heart of the school's work. Every pupil is known as an individual.

Adults notice when pupils are upset and provide the help they need. Pupils also look out for each other.

Parents speak highly of the school.

Many reference the exceptional care, compassion and support their children receive.

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

Leaders have designed a highly effective curriculum. Curriculum plans map out what pupils need to know and remember in all subjects, and in all year groups.

The curriculum is securely and consistently embedded across the school. Leaders have forensically planned the order in which knowledge is taught. Pupils' knowledge is built up in a logical sequence of lessons, and over time.

For example, in geography, Year 4 pupils learn to identify symbols used on maps. In Year 6, they use this knowledge to compare land use on maps of their village now, and in the past. Pupils' work demonstrates the depth of knowledge they acquire, whether that be written work, practical work such as making cookies for a target audience, or a piece of artwork.

Right from the start of school, the early years curriculum engages children in their learning. Each activity that children complete has a clear purpose and supports them to add to their knowledge. As children make a 3D solar system, they apply their knowledge of the planets, practise their fine motor skills and develop their social skills as they help each other.

As a result of this thoughtfully designed curriculum, they are very well prepared for the transition to Year 1.

Teachers deliver the intended curriculum with skill. They receive additional training to ensure that their own subject knowledge is strong.

They promote the importance of pupils developing an understanding of subject-specific vocabulary. They routinely check that pupils remember the intended learning and step in to support pupils if they find a new concept difficult.

Reading is prioritised.

Staff are experts in the teaching of phonics. Pupils quickly learn the sounds they need to know in order to read. Pupils who struggle to read, get extra help.

Teachers provide parents with information about how they can help their child to read at home. The use of high-quality texts is central to the English curriculum. Pupils enjoy the books that their teachers read to them.

They identify the books they enjoy and choose to read independently. Pupils become accomplished readers.

The school is highly inclusive.

Leaders make every effort to ensure that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) access the same curriculum, and wider opportunities, as their peers. They do not place a ceiling on what pupils can achieve with the right support. Pupils with SEND flourish.

Pupils show high levels of maturity. They enjoy the wide range of opportunities they have to take on responsibilities. Year 1 pupils are 'weather watchers', a school council represents the voice of pupils and Year 6 pupils lead assembles about the people who inspire them.

Pupils learn to debate ensuring that they listen with respect to the views of others. They absolutely accept difference. They value being unique.

Older pupils know the dangers associated with peer pressure. Pupils celebrate the success of others. For example, they show their appreciation as pupils play the piano when they arrive in the hall.

Leaders have created a strong sense of teamwork in the school. Staff support one another. They say that leaders appreciate their hard work and trust them to do their very best for every pupil.

Governors have played an important role in school improvement. Alongside leaders, they have worked with determination to establish an outstanding learning environment for all.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff keep a watchful eye on pupils' safety and well-being. They receive regular training so that they can identify pupils who may be at risk of harm. They share their concerns promptly.

They know that even the smallest of concerns could provide vital information about a pupil. Staff work on the principle that, 'it could happen here'. Designated safeguarding leaders keep thorough records.

They draw on the advice and support of external agencies at the right times.

Pupils understand how to keep themselves safe. They know that they should seek the help of a trusted adult if they have a worry.