The North Cotes Church of England Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 2 November 2023

One parent captured the sentiments of many parents and carers when they wrote: 'This is a little gem of a school.' Relationships are warm and trusting. Pupils feel safe in this small, inclusive school. They say they enjoy coming to school, describing it as a happy and kind place to be. Pupils know they are well cared for. One said: 'You can talk to staff about anything here, it's like a home from home.' Pupils appreciate that staff listen to any ideas, worries or concerns they may have. Expectations are high. Pupils respond well to them. They know the routines of the school well and promptly follow instructions from staff. Almost all pupils behave and attend well. Moreover, they display positive attitudes towards learning and treating everyone equally. Pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain. They embrace the British values, as well as upholding the school's Christian values, including respect, truth and forgiveness. Pupils are a credit to the school. The school is calm and orderly. Classrooms are inviting, with many purposeful displays that support learning, including in Reception. Most pupils achieve well by the end of each key stage. However, sometimes pupils are not moved on to more challenging learning quickly enough.

What the school should improve

• Sometimes, despite the planned ambitious curriculum, teachers do not always ensure that learning activities are appropriately matched to pupils' current level of knowledge and understanding. On occasions, teachers do not move pupils on to more challenging work when they are ready. As a result, some pupils do not develop their knowledge and understanding as fully as they might. The school should ensure that teachers know how best to help pupils build and develop their knowledge and understanding, so that all pupils can achieve as well as they can.

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