Great Glen St Cuthbert's Church of England Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 4 May 2023

The school's motto, 'Doing all the good we can through faith, love and excellence', is lived out by staff and pupils at the school. Staff and parents say the school is a warm and friendly community, where everybody is welcomed. The learning values at St Cuthberts are not just words. In all aspects of school life, pupils are encouraged to be responsible, resilient, reflective, resourceful and risk takers. By showing these values, pupils earn 'dojo points' and gain certificates in awards assembly. One pupil summed up the views of many when they said, 'Learning is fun, and teachers encourage us with the values.' Pupils feel safe. They know that they can use the worry boxes in each class. They appreciate the support that they get to help deal with their emotions. They value the well-being club, which was established by the school council. This is well attended. Pupils are inclusive and welcoming. They show kindness and respect towards each other and staff. They enjoy getting dojos for following the school rules. They know that they will lose 'golden time' if they do not. Pupils say that bullying is rare. However, should it occur, they know it will be taken seriously by staff.

What the school should improve

• In a small number of subjects, the curriculum does not make clear the most important content that pupils are expected to know and remember. Leaders have not thought carefully enough about how and when pupils will revisit what they learned before. This means that pupils' recall of curriculum content is inconsistent. Leaders should ensure that the curriculum across all subjects makes clear the most important content that pupils should know and remember and contains clearly defined opportunities to revisit and embed learning.
• In some subjects, the curriculum does not take sufficient account of what children have learned in the early years. This means that the strong foundations laid in early years are not maximised. In these subjects, leaders should ensure that the sequence of learning builds on the firm foundations established in the early years.

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