Icknield Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 March 2023

Pupils like their school. Pupils' positive approach in school shows that they know that learning is important. They work hard to live up to the school aims: believe, achieve, succeed. Starting in the early years, pupils show curiosity and take pleasure in learning new things. When they find something difficult, pupils work well with staff and other pupils to find ways of overcoming whatever challenges they face. The positive atmosphere in classrooms and around the school demonstrates that pupils enjoy being at school. They delight in learning about the diverse backgrounds and experiences of pupils at the school. Deaf pupils are fully included in school life. Many pupils who can hear are learning and using sign language so they can communicate with deaf friends. Pupils are aware of the various needs of those around them. They go out of their way to help each other. Pupils rightly feel safe at school. They know their 'fab five' adults identified as people ready to listen to any concerns that arise. Pupils also know how to keep themselves safe at school, home, in the community, and online. On the rare occasions when bullying happens, staff deal with it well and it stops.

What the school should improve

• Leaders have not ensured that staff in Reception teach children how to use spoken language effectively. As a result, children speak with phrases or simple sentences and cannot express themselves well enough. Leaders need to clarify how staff should teach spoken language and provide the training needed to make the necessary improvements.

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