Chopwell Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 April 2022

The pupils at Chopwell Primary School are happy. They start the school day eager to learn and play with their friends. Leaders have high expectations of pupils. They have worked hard to raise the attendance and punctuality of pupils. As a result, pupils are learning more. One parent, whose comments reflected the views of the majority, stated that, 'The school offers an amazing teaching environment that allows my child to bloom'. Teachers manage behaviour well. Incidents of bullying are infrequent. On the rare occasions that bullying happens, staff help pupils to understand how their actions affect others. Pupils understand how important it is to apologise. Pupils move around the school calmly and sensibly. They play together well and treat each other with respect. Leaders have established a 'buddy system' between Year 6 pupils and the Reception class. This encourages team play and mentoring. Year 6 pupils reported that they missed the contact with younger pupils when COVID-19 restrictions prevented classes mixing. Leaders have created opportunities for pupils to learn how to be safe. Pupils know how to protect their identity online. Pupils know that there are adults they can talk to if they are worried about their safety.

What the school should improve

• Curriculum plans are new in some areas and teachers have not been provided with the training they need to deliver learning to pupils with precision. As a result, pupils' learning is insecure. New learning does not build carefully enough on what pupils already know. Leaders need to provide training to teachers so that their subject knowledge improves and teachers deliver the intended curriculum with accuracy.
• Since the pandemic, leaders have not provided enough opportunities for pupils to access extra-curricular activities and leadership opportunities in school or in the wider community. As a result, pupils have few opportunities to develop their own talents and interests. Leaders need to plan a rich and diverse programme of activities that will encourage pupils to be outward reaching and develop their interests outside the classroom.

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