Archibald First School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are eager to learn at this warm and caring school.

They love learning here and are happy to be part of the Archibald community. Strong and secure relationships between staff and pupils help pupils to feel safe. Pupils' behaviour is exemplary.

Pupils set an excellent example to each other in their attitudes to learning. This starts when children join the early years provision.

The school has high expectations for pupils.

The curriculum is ambitious and broad. Pupils rise to these ambitions and achieve well. They talk enthusiastically about their learning.

Pupils are keen to do well.

The school's visions and values, including b...eing curious and courageous, are understood by the whole school community. Pupils are exceptionally proud of their contribution to the school.'

Waste warriors' and 'art ambassadors' talk confidently about the difference they make to school life. Pupils know how to treat each other fairly. They listen to each other's ideas and views attentively.

It is clear that everyone is welcome here. School visits and visitors enhance the school's offer. The school uses local amenities such as art galleries and places of worship effectively.

Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school. They celebrate the care the school offers their children and families.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

Pupils enjoy an exciting and ambitious curriculum.

The school is sharply focused on all pupils being the best they can be. Important concepts, knowledge and skills are carefully mapped out. This helps pupils build knowledge and skills well over time.

They are well prepared for their next steps in learning.

Opportunities to connect knowledge through 'link it' activities help pupils revisit previous learning. Teachers check understanding regularly to help pupils understand new ideas.

The subject-specific vocabulary and key knowledge pupils need to know is clear in most subjects. This clarity helps pupils talk about their learning with confidence. In a small number of subjects, learning activities are not matched effectively to the knowledge and skills the school wants pupils to know and remember.

This means pupils cannot build on previous learning as effectively as they could. The school's work on developing this has begun.

The school is effective in supporting children in early years to develop their communication skills.

Staff are well skilled in supporting children's development. They take the time to explain new ideas or introduce new language with precision. Children delight in the nursery rhymes they want to sing.

Reading is a high priority in school. From early years onwards, pupils enjoy a wide range of texts. The early reading offer is effective.

Pupils enjoy books that help them practise the sounds they know. Staff use consistent resources and strategies to help younger pupils learn to read.

The school carefully considers the needs of pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Careful and effective early identification of needs helps pupils with SEND get the support they need to achieve well. Thoughtful adaptations and resources help pupils learn effectively alongside their peers. The school is highly inclusive.

Well-established routines and expectations help children make a flying start in early years. Children learn and play together cooperatively. Careful staff interactions help children develop high levels of focus and independence.

These positive attitudes to learning set children up well for moving through the school. Pupils are polite, well mannered and respectful towards each other and adults. Social times provide ample opportunity for pupils to play together harmoniously.

A wide range of exciting and engaging activities support pupils' relationships. For example, they make samosas in the mud kitchen or build complex den structures with care. Regardless of age, pupils play together exceptionally well.

Pupils want to come to school. This is reflected in high attendance rates.

A carefully considered personal, social and health education curriculum gives pupils the knowledge to keep healthy and safe.

Pupils know how to keep healthy both physically and mentally. This includes being active and not having too much 'screen time'. Pupils understand equality and diversity in detail.

The respect they have towards each other in the school community is ever-present across the school day. Fundamental British values are celebrated. Pupils have very detailed knowledge of where British values are lived out in school and in the community.

Pupils model these values well in their attitudes to school life and each other.

Governors, leaders and staff are proud of the school community they have nurtured. Governors' support for the school enables the school to improve and develop continually.

Staff are proud to be part of this school. They are well supported by knowledgeable leaders and governors.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• In a small number of subjects, the implementation of the curriculum does not match the ambition of the curriculum. This impacts pupils' ability to deepen and connect their learning effectively. The school should ensure that the curriculum's implementation is fully embedded across all subjects to enable pupils to secure and deepen their knowledge further.

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