Lift Caldicotes

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 September 2024

Caldicotes Primary Academy supports and encourages every pupil to achieve their full potential. Starting in the early years, pupils learn to respect everyone and to take pride in their learning. Pupils know that their teachers really care about them and expect them to try hard. Pupils achieve well, especially in reading. The school has high expectations for behaviour. Clear and consistent routines help children in the early years to settle into school very well. These same routines help to maintain a positive and calm atmosphere for learning. As a result, most pupils behave very well. For those pupils who need extra support, adults help them to manage their behaviour. The school has recently introduced 'CLAP' (Caldicotes Learning and Play) to support better behaviour at breaktimes. Play is purposeful and exciting. Calm spaces have been created for those pupils who prefer to read or play board games. The school provides opportunities to extend pupils' learning about the wider world and to support pupils' well-being. For example, pupils have chances to go to the beach and the theatre, challenge themselves through sports and adventurous activities and visit the Houses of Parliament. Pupils appreciate the advice they are given about growing up and staying safe. They spoke with enthusiasm about their memorial garden and the various clubs on offer.

What the school should improve

• Some parts of the school's curriculum have been introduced relatively recently. As a result, in some subjects, pupils do not always have the prior knowledge needed for new content to be introduced successfully. The school should support teachers to identify the most essential concepts and vocabulary that pupils need to secure and use assessment information effectively to adapt the curriculum.
• Although curriculum planning identifies key vocabulary to support learning, many pupils struggle to talk about what they know or explain their thinking. The school should continue to prioritise the development of oracy across the curriculum and ensure that all teachers have the necessary skills to promote oracy and discussion in the classroom.
• While pupils have an understanding of British values, the school has not ensured that pupils have a deep knowledge and understanding of different faiths and beliefs. This means that, while pupils are taught to be tolerant and respect difference, there is further work needed to deepen their understanding of other faiths, cultures, and beliefs. Leaders should continue to develop purposeful opportunities for pupils to learn about diversity across the curriculum.

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