Clipstone Brook Lower School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 March 2025

Pupils enjoy attending Clipstone Brook Lower School. They firmly believe in the school rules of Ready, Respectful, Safe. These guide their conduct. Pupils reflect these principles in their attitudes towards each other every day. They are proud that kindness is at the heart of the school's values. They trust that the school is, in the words of many, 'a very safe place to be'. This is because staff and pupils look out for each other. Pupils make an important contribution to the school community, for example by becoming an office monitor or a 'buddy' to younger children. These roles help to develop pupils' self-esteem and confidence. Typically, pupils meet the school's high expectations. They are proud of their own positive conduct and that of others. They are confident that staff will sort out any problems that may occur, quickly and fairly. Pupils are empathetic towards those who need extra support in managing their emotions. Pupils achieve well in most subjects. They work hard and learn to concentrate. This begins in the early years and continues over time. Pupils are enthusiastic learners. They enjoy their lessons. These include those held as part of the school's outdoor wooded learning area.

What the school should improve

• Pupils occasionally do not have a secure enough early writing knowledge to complete the tasks expected of them. This leads to gaps in pupils' fundamental knowledge, such as spelling, leaving some pupils less well prepared than they should be as they progress through the school. The school should check more rigorously that pupils progress through the early writing curriculum as intended, and ensure that staff have the expertise they need to deliver it consistently effectively.

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