Pupils clearly love coming to school. They appreciate that teachers make learning fun. Pupils are clear that this is a very caring school where any worries will be sorted out. Both older and younger pupils speak warmly about being paired up to read together. As one parent wrote, ‘The school is excellent at building self-confidence and friendships between year groups. The older children are encouraged to interact with the younger children.’ Pupils really value their teachers. They describe teachers as being strict if they need to be, but always fair and always nice. Pupils enjoy working with pupils from nearby schools. They speak with great enthusiasm about a residential trip to an outdoor centre with pupils from their partner school. Pupils’ work is displayed and celebrated. Behaviour around school and in lessons is excellent. Pupils were shocked at the thought that there could be any bullying in the school. They are certain that it does not happen at all. Playtimes are a little lively as pupils let off steam. After-school clubs, outdoor learning and playing an instrument are all part of being at the school. One parent captured the views of many by saying, ‘The school is a hidden gem and I feel privileged that my children have the opportunity to spend their primary years here.’ What does the school do well and what does it need to do better? In mathematics, reading and writing, pupils understand the important concepts. This is because teachers are clear about what pupils need to learn. Lessons build on what pupils already know. In art and design and technology, leaders have planned the curriculum well. Pupils have the knowledge and skills they need for future learning. Changes in history and science planning are under way and are almost complete. For other subjects, the whole-school plans are currently being changed so that lessons build pupils’ knowledge more progressively. Phonics teaching is increasingly effective, but some requires more urgency. Expectations of which sounds children need to know at certain times of the year could be even higher.