Castlethorpe First School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Every morning, when the school bell rings, pupils walk through the gates with a palpable sense of enthusiasm. They are very happy and feel extremely safe. This is because staff create an exceptionally nurturing environment.

The school's values of 'inspiring learners, growing together' sit at the heart of all that it does. From the moment children start in Reception class, they are immersed in a culture that develops superbly their independence and confidence.

Staff have very high expectations of pupil's behaviour, and their academic and wider success.

The vibrant curriculum brings pupils' learning to life and supports them superbly to secure a deep knowledge ...of the subjects they study. Pupils are thoughtful and highly considerate towards their peers, staff and visitors. They are proud of their work and demonstrate impeccable attitudes towards their learning.

Pupils achieve highly and are exceptionally well-prepared for the next stage of their education.

The school fosters an inclusive atmosphere where pupils appreciate diversity and celebrate differences. Pupils develop a commendable sense of character.

They have a deep understanding of different faiths and cultures. They proudly take on leadership roles such as play leaders. Pupils work together in harmony and help each other across the school at social times.

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

Children make an excellent start to their education in Reception class. They settle extremely well and quickly into the school's highly effective routines for learning. There is a sharp focus on developing children's communication and language skills and wider vocabulary.

The school creates a rich and stimulating environment in all areas of learning. This supports children extremely effectively to pursue their ideas and explore the world around them. Children are engrossed in their learning, are attentive and focus well on the activities they choose.

Consequently, they are very well prepared for their learning in key stage 1.

High quality reading is the hallmark of the school. From the word go, pupils are immersed in an environment that helps them secure their phonics knowledge and comprehension skills.

Teachers deliver the phonics programme precisely. They provide books which hook pupils' interests, stimulate their imagination and help them practise the sounds they are learning. Younger children listen to the stories and poems that staff read and share throughout the school day with delight.

The school has implemented an ambitious curriculum that details the specific knowledge and skills pupils will learn. Staff have excellent subject knowledge and deliver the curriculum expertly. They model new learning consistently well across all subjects.

Consequently, pupils progress through the school's curriculum extremely well. Pupils who struggle to keep up with any curriculum aspects, including phonics, are quickly identified and expertly supported to help them catch up. They become confident and able readers, writers and mathematicians.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported to access the full curriculum. Teachers identify quickly any additional needs pupils may have. The school provides extremely effective resources and support for staff to ensure that they can help all pupils to access the curriculum, including those pupils with SEND.

As a result, all pupils achieve highly.

Pupils' behaviour throughout the school is exemplary. This is because the school's expectations for their conduct are very clear and consistently applied.

Lunchtimes are extremely calm and purposeful occasions. Pupils all get along and say this is a kind school. They enjoy their learning and want to come to school.

Attendance is high and when it is not, the school offers swift support and challenge to parents and cares to ensure their children attend school regularly.

The provision for pupils' wider personal development is exceptional. Through the curriculum, pupils learn how to keep healthy and safe.

They demonstrate their values, friendship and courage well. Visits to castles, museums and the zoo bring learning to life. Guest visitors help pupils develop a strong awareness of cultures, as well as developing their curriculum knowledge.

The school ensures that pupils have opportunities to discuss and debate different viewpoints. All pupils have access to a popular after school provision. Additionally, pupils benefit from a broad range of experiences, including exposure to music, dance, guest speakers and forest school activities.

The school celebrates children's talents and consequently, their character development is very strong.

Governors demonstrate a strong understanding of their roles and responsibilities, providing valuable strategic oversight. Staff are extremely proud to work at the school.

They agree that their well-being is considered highly effectively and they value working with others across the federation. Because of this work there is the ability to share expertise and knowledge amongst a wider group of staff.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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