Chipping Warden Primary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 23 May 2023

Leaders have worked tirelessly to improve the school. They have established a clear vision that is shared by staff. Pupils learn to care for themselves, each other and their school. Leaders' ambition is that every pupil will be confident, articulate, motivated and well prepared for the next stage in their education, as well as life beyond school. There are positive relationships between staff and pupils. Pupils say that the school is a happy place where they feel safe. Classrooms are calm and orderly. Pupils behave well and are 'ready to learn'. One pupil described the school as 'peaceful'. They understand the behaviour system in school. They say that it is fair. Pupils are proud of their school. Each pupil is a member of a house team. Pupils like that the houses are named Lancaster, Spitfire, Wellington and Hurricane as it reminds them of the school's history as a Royal Air Force hospital. Pupils work hard to earn points for their house. It motivates them to work to the best of their abilities. A large majority of parents appreciate the support their children receive. One parent said, 'The school has a lovely friendly feel.'

What the school should improve

• In a few lessons, teachers do not always give pupils enough opportunities to discuss their subject knowledge in sufficient depth. Pupils become frustrated when they do not have the chance to share what they know. Leaders should ensure that teachers provide pupils with time to talk about the subject matter being taught so that their knowledge deepens over time.
• Leaders have not ensured that the early years curriculum identifies the key vocabulary that children need to know. As a result, children do not always acquire the language that enables them to talk about their learning sufficiently. Leaders should ensure that the key language they want children to know is planned out precisely so that children can use this language in their learning activities.
• In the wider curriculum, teachers do not routinely identify pupils who may have gaps in their learning or who may have developed misconceptions. This means that pupils may not have a full grasp of what they need to know before moving on to new learning. Leaders should ensure that teachers effectively check what pupils know and remember in all foundation subjects to support pupils' future learning.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)