Taxal and Fernilee CofE Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 May 2023

Pupils enjoy coming to school. The staff care for all pupils. Pupils learn how to keep safe. They know that they can talk to a trusted adult if they need to. Pupils like being with their friends in school. They are kind to each other, and they respect all staff. Pupils are enthusiastic about visits that they have experienced. They visit local caverns and take part in adventurous activities. Pupils enjoy it when visitors bring animals into school from local farms. Pupils enjoy taking part in a wide range of after-school activities, including the sports club. Pupils behave well. They follow their 'script' approach; strength, compassion, respect, integrity, peace and tenacity. In lessons, pupils work hard, and they are proud of their work. Pupils talked about being tenacious, helping them to persist when their work is challenging. Teachers have high expectations of all pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Bullying is rare in school, and leaders resolve any incidents well if it happens. The majority of parents are supportive of the school. One parent, typical on many, said, 'My child loves this school, he feels valued as part of the Taxal family.'

What the school should improve

• The important knowledge that pupils need to learn in some subjects is not as well sequenced compared to other areas of the curriculum. In these subjects, it is not yet fully clear what pupils should learn, and by when, to build their knowledge over time. Leaders should ensure that the curriculum thinking for all subjects sets out precisely the knowledge that all pupils should know and when.

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