North and South Cowton Community Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 7 March 2023

The school community is like a happy family. Pupils and staff know each other exceptionally well. Relationships are warm and trusting. Everyone looks after and cares about each other. Pupils play their part in ensuring that the school day runs smoothly. They help out at lunchtime, for example. Pupils have impeccable manners. Exemplary behaviour is the norm. When disagreements arise in the playground, pupils often resolve them without adult help. Staff act promptly if they are needed. Pupils always play together at playtime. Older pupils make sure no one feels left out. They make sure that younger pupils can play safely. Pupils are adamant that there are no bullies in school. They cannot recall any instances of bullying taking place. Pupils feel safe in school. They know that teachers will help and there is always an adult to talk to. When someone gets hurt in the playground, pupils check to make sure they are all right. Pupils know how to stay safe when they move around the village between school buildings. Staff have high expectations of pupils. They make sure pupils learn to read quickly and enjoy a wide range of books. Pupils' achievements both inside and outside school are celebrated. Pupils learn about the world beyond their village. For example, they go on residential visits and take part in activities at the local secondary school. They take part in sporting competitions such as tag rugby and football. This prepares them for the next step in their education.

What the school should improve

• The curriculum in subjects such as science and history is not sequenced well enough. Knowledge does not build towards clear end points. Staff do not know what knowledge they should assess pupils against. This means that there are gaps in pupils' knowledge. Leaders should continue to review subject curriculums to ensure that there is sequencing of knowledge with well-defined end points. This will enable staff to have a clear idea of what pupils should know. Staff will then be able to identify and address gaps in pupils' knowledge.
• Staffing turbulence means subject leadership has only recently been established. Inexperienced subject leaders do not yet have the skills to review and evaluate the curriculum effectively. Leaders should continue to develop subject leader skills to enable them to review and evaluate the curriculum.

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