Cranbrook Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 18 May 2022

This is a happy and friendly school. The headteacher, governors and staff want the best for all pupils. They are determined that all pupils will succeed. All adults have high expectations. Pupils, in turn, aspire to be respectful, ready to learn and resilient. Leaders ensure that pupils get the right support from staff to help them learn successfully across different subjects. This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school's atmosphere is calm and cheerful. Pupils feel happy and safe because of the care and support they receive from staff. They behave well in lessons and are enthusiastic about their learning. While uncommon, any incidents of bullying or unkind behaviour are spotted and dealt with quickly. Pupils are kind and thoughtful to each other. They respect the views, cultures and opinions of others. Leaders aim to support pupils to become well-developed, responsible and considerate members of the wider community. Pupils spoke with pride about the roles they play in the life of the school. Pupils take their roles seriously. For example, older pupils enjoy helping younger pupils during playtimes and lunchtimes. School councillors like that they meet regularly with leaders to share their ideas about improving the school.

What the school should improve

• In a few subjects, leaders' curriculum thinking has not determined precisely what subject content pupils need to learn and how this fits together with pupils' prior and future learning. While the ambition of the national curriculum is covered, the curriculum is not fully supporting pupils to develop an in-depth understanding of some essential ideas and concepts. Leaders should refine their curriculum thinking. They should make clear what knowledge teaching needs to prioritise and establish exactly when this knowledge should be taught and recapped.

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