Swinefleet Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 12 July 2023

Pupils thrive in the family atmosphere of this small school. They are polite and respectful and enjoy welcoming visitors to their school. Staff know all pupils as individuals. There are positive relationships between staff and pupils. Pupils are confident and happy. Parents and carers recognise this and value the work of the staff. Pupils respect others' differences and say that everyone is welcome at their school. They listen to each other's views considerately, even when they disagree. Bullying is rare. If it does happen, adults deal with it swiftly and fairly. Pupils know that they are expected to behave well and they do. Pupils understand the rules, rewards and consequences. Pupils, including children in early years, move around the building sensibly and safely. Pupils enjoy each other's company at breakfast club. Breaktimes and lunchtimes are well supported by adults. Pupils are safe in school. Pupils are well prepared for their next steps in education. Leaders have high expectations for pupils' learning. There is a well-planned programme for pupils' personal development. For example, careers education aims to develop pupils' aspirations. Pupils meet lots of visitors who do different jobs. Pupils enjoy the choice of clubs on offer. Older pupils recognise themselves as role models for the younger pupils.

What the school should improve

• In a small number of foundation subjects, including history, leaders have not set out the precise knowledge that they want pupils to learn. This means that teachers do not always plan activities that build on pupils' previous learning. Leaders should continue to implement their plans for a well-sequenced curriculum, providing subject leaders and teachers with the training and support that they need to ensure that the curriculum is delivered as they intend.
• The writing curriculum does not provide pupils in key stage 1 who are at the earliest stages of reading with the opportunities to develop their understanding of the basic skills for writing. This means that these pupils are not able to write clearly and independently. Leaders should review the curriculum for writing and ensure that staff are trained to teach pupils the knowledge and skills to write independently.
• Some pupils do not attend school regularly enough. This means that they miss out on important learning. Leaders should ensure that parents understand the importance of regular school attendance and the impact of irregular attendance on their children's learning so that the number of pupils who are persistently absent reduces.

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