Combe CofE Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 July 2022

Pupils and staff are proud to be members of their kind, happy and welcoming school. Leaders encourage pupils to embody the school's values of 'community, compassion and wisdom'. Pupils enjoy an interesting range of after-school clubs. These include outdoor learning, sporting, creative and musical activities. Leaders and staff have high expectations of pupils' learning and behaviour. Children in early years take care of their environment and each other. They rejoice in talking about their ideas and are curious about the world around them. Incidents of bullying are rare, and pupils feel safe. Pupils know that staff are always on hand to help them sort out any concerns or upsets quickly. Pupils form strong friendships. They learn to take responsibility for themselves and others. Pupils make positive contributions in school and to the local community. For instance, they write letters to elderly residents, organise stalls at the school fete and look after the school allotment. Parents appreciate the care and support that leaders and staff provide. As one parent commented, 'Our children are thriving. The dedicated staff team strive to create a wonderful learning environment for our children.'

What the school should improve

• Curriculum thinking in a few subjects and areas of learning is still being refined. Where it is weaker, pupils do not learn as well as they could. Leaders must ensure that this work is completed and that all staff understand the important knowledge that pupils should learn and remember over time.
• The school's approach to early reading in key stage 2 is not well embedded. This means that some of the weakest readers in the older year groups do not learn to read confidently and fluently. Leaders need to ensure that staff who teach pupils to read in key stage 2 are well trained and have the knowledge to support pupils effectively.

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