Little Gaddesden Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 1 October 2024

Pupils value the fact that everyone knows everyone in their small school. This helps them to feel happy and safe in their 'Little Gaddesden community'. Older pupils look after younger children during lunchtime when everyone shares the same space. Pupils learn and achieve well across a wide range of subjects, rising to meet the high expectations that staff have of them. Frequent high-quality trips and events help pupils to embed their learning. Following a workshop on the story of Easter, pupils could recall details including the importance of the Garden of Gethsemane. Pupils behave well throughout the school day. There is always a calm and positive atmosphere. Pupils' learning is not interrupted by the behaviour of others. Pupils have warm relationships with each other and with the staff. Pupils are polite towards each other. They can debate issues, such as whether the suffragettes were justified in their actions or not while remaining courteous towards each other. Pupils benefit from a wide range of before- and after-school clubs. They feel that the before-school clubs, like street dance, help get them to school on time and 'give me a boost of energy for the morning'.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, teachers do not always have the precise subject knowledge required to teach the curriculum confidently and consistently as well as leaders intend. As a result of this, sometimes, some pupils are not supported to deepen or extend their understanding. The school should ensure that teachers have the expertise required to implement all areas of the curriculum effectively.

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