Pupils are happy and feel safe at Necton VA Primary School. All the parents who gave us their views agreed. Pupils can explain what they would do if they had any concerns or worries. They said that bullying rarely happens at their school. If it did occur, they are confident that adults would sort out any problems quickly. Pupils live up to the high expectations that staff have of them. Pupils show respect and courtesy to their teachers and other pupils. As one pupil said, ‘The best thing about Necton is all the teachers who are kind and helpful.’ Most pupils’ behaviour is positive. In a few cases, where pupils need extra help to improve their behaviour, staff provide support. Pupils work together well and learn effectively. They are attentive and listen to the opinions of others. Pupils value being rewarded for their positive behaviours with merit badges, five-star learner awards and class reward systems. Pupils enjoy the various extra-curricular activities, trips and opportunities offered to them. They would like more opportunities, but understand the limitations that the COVID-19 pandemic brings. As one school council pupil said, ‘I like pottery club. School council is looking at how we can increase clubs but stay safe with COVID.’ What does the school do well and what does it need to do better? Since her arrival in January 2019, the headteacher has worked effectively with leaders and governors to provide stability and high-quality provision in the school, following a period of staffing changes. The headteacher and her team have focused collectively on creating a curriculum which builds pupils’ knowledge, skills and understanding over time. Subject leaders have carefully selected what they want pupils to know and remember. Curriculum plans provide the detail of the subject-specific language and knowledge that pupils need to know. Planning is designed to help pupils build on their previous learning. The curriculum also offers vibrant and high-quality practical opportunities, especially, but not exclusively, in subjects such as music and science. Staff provide highly effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Staff are well trained in matching activities and resources to meet pupils’ individual needs. The special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) swiftly identifies pupils who need extra support. Teachers and support assistants adapt their planning effectively. As a result, pupils with SEND achieve well in the same curriculum as their peers. Leaders prioritise reading and promote a love of books. Phonics teaching begins as soon as children start the school. In early years, children learn to identify initial letter sounds, such as those for their own names. Staff training has ensured a consistent quality of phonics teaching. Books selected to teach children to read are Inspection report: Necton VA Primary School 30 November and 1 December 2021 2 well matched to the sounds that they are learning. This quickly develops their confidence in using phonics, and improves their reading fluency. Adults ensure that pupils who are at risk of falling behind receive the precise support they need in order to keep up. Adults deliver the curriculum confidently in most subjects. They make regular checks on pupils’ learning to identify gaps. This is so that pupils get the right support and that work is well suited to their needs. However, in a few subjects, teachers’ subject knowledge is less secure. Here, teachers’ use of assessment does not routinely identify how well pupils have retained knowledge of the content being delivered. When this happens, pupils do not achieve as well as they should. Pupils are well supported through the school’s personal social and health education (PSHE) curriculum. This promotes pupils’ understanding of how to keep healthy, whether physically or emotionally. Pupils are encouraged to share their views in many ways, such as through the school council, eco council or values council. Pupils were keen to tell inspectors about the different opportunities they have, such as discussing the role of Parliament, democracy and law with their local MP. They also join in ‘Refugee Week’, to raise awareness of challenges faced by children around the world. These activities contribute effectively to pupils’ preparation for life in modern Britain. Governors know the school well and are actively engaged in its development. They provide leaders with support and challenge, and carry out their statutory duties to continue the improvement of the provision. Most staff feel that leaders support their workload and well-being appropriately.