Claytons Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 July 2023

Pupils are cared for and well supported at this nurturing village school. They talk confidently about values such as resilience, ambition and perseverance. When asked to describe what ambition means, one pupil shared: 'It is when you reach for the stars and don't let anything stop you'. This positive approach starts from the beginning of school in Nursery and Reception. It is particularly strong in the school's specially resourced provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). In the early years, pupils settle quickly into school life and develop strong relationships with the staff team. Staff recognise and encourage pupils' positive attitudes to learning. Staff are proud to highlight pupils' successes inside and outside of the classroom. Pupils feel safe and know how to keep themselves safe, including when online. Older pupils say that the curriculum helps them feel prepared for when they move on to their next school in Year 7. For example, pupils are taught how to manage peer pressure and are prepared for their time at secondary school. Pupils are kind and considerate towards each other. They play happily on the playground and are respectful in the school hall at lunchtimes and when moving around the school. Pupils help to create a highly inclusive and respectful school culture.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, leaders have not clearly identified the precise knowledge and key vocabulary that pupils need to learn. This means that some pupils could achieve even better if they build knowledge and link their learning to the lessons that they have done already. Leaders should ensure that these subjects include precise cumulative knowledge and vocabulary and that this is taught consistently well so that all pupils know and remember more.
• Leaders accurately identify pupils with SEND and ensure that plans are in place that match to pupils' needs. However, the provision some pupils receive in class does not always match what is set out in their plans. Leaders need to ensure that staff get the support and training they need so they can implement plans for pupils with SEND in the classroom successfully and consistently.
• Although behaviour incidents are uncommon, a very small minority of pupils do not always behave well towards adults in the school. Leaders need to continue to review and embed strong, shared behaviour management systems that are applied consistently well across the staff team so that all staff feel supported and are able to respond to incidents in consistent ways, following leaders' expectations.

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