Thakeham Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 12 March 2024

Pupils and parents recognise the kind and nurturing nature of this school. Staff place great emphasis on knowing each pupil's needs well. As a result, pupils feel included and welcome. The school ethos of CARE helps pupils to understand courage, ambition, respect and enjoyment. These values underpin the school's behaviour policy. Pupils are supported to feel safe in school. The school makes sure that pupils understand who they can talk to if anything is worrying them. The focus on pupils' well-being is paramount to the school. In Reception, children love reading to the visiting school dog, Branson. Capturing pupils' opinions is at the heart of the school. These views are then taken into account when making appropriate changes. Recently, for example, the games shed was relocated as pupils shared they were concerned staff could not see behind it. Since the previous inspection, much work has been done to improve the curriculum. Pupils generally achieve well. However, there is still further work to be done to ensure that pupils can be as successful in other subjects as they are in English and mathematics.

What the school should improve

• In a few foundation subjects, pupils have gaps in their knowledge. They do not always know or recall the key information that the school has identified is the most important. Teachers should check what pupils have remembered to ensure that the intended curriculum is learned over time.
• There is some minor inconsistency in how well phonics sessions are delivered. This means that pupils do not always learn to read as quickly as they could. The school should continue to ensure that staff have the expertise and confidence to teach phonics in line with leaders' high expectations.

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