St Botolph's Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 May 2023

Pupils are generous and kind. They warmly welcome any newcomers, living out the phrase 'the more, the merrier' when it comes to making friends. Pupils themselves identify this, referring to the messages they learn from leaders and staff about being respectful. Learning these messages means pupils are unfazed when discussing or meeting those who differ to them. It means pupils are happy at this school. Because pupils have high expectations for their own and others' conduct, they spot and report bullying straight away. Starting an 'anti-bullying log' helps to gather the evidence that informs the support the perpetrator and victim receive. It then puts a stop to the bullying. Having leaders and staff who resolve their worries means pupils remain safe. Be it with reading or the other subjects, pupils achieve well. They are keen to share what they know, such as recalling multiplication facts or explaining how families differ. Charitable actions are the norm. For example, pupils volunteer as 'monitors' around school to look after equipment or to litter pick in the local area. The school council serves as a vehicle for change. It takes pupils' ideas and makes them a reality, such as by introducing extra-curricular clubs based on pupils' requests.

What the school should improve

• Leaders have yet to complete their curriculum review. Consequently, what pupils learn each year in a few subjects lacks clarity. In these subjects, it is harder for teachers to plan lessons that review and add to what pupils should know. Leaders should specify the words, concepts and skills they want pupils to learn in these subjects, sharing these clearly with teachers.
• Too much time can pass before leaders take action to address a pupil's poor attendance. Consequently, some disadvantaged pupils are persistently absent. Being absent leads to gaps in pupils' knowledge of the curriculum and so hinders their achievement. Leaders should ensure a rigorous system for identifying and addressing attendance concerns, including a consistent approach for helping pupils to catch up with learning lost due to absence.

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