Ofsted
Ofsted Inspection Date: 1 and 2 May 2024
Overall effectiveness: The leadership team has maintained the good quality of education in the school since the last inspection. However, the evidence gathered suggests that the inspection grade might be outstanding if a graded inspection were carried out now.
Summary of key findings for parents and pupils
Nurturing Community
Pupils thoroughly enjoy attending Thurlbear. There is a strong sense of community and warmth that permeates through the school. Classrooms buzz with interest and engagement. Learning activities inspire pupils. Pupils are inquisitive and keen to learn. They recognise that to get better at something, it takes practice. Through this, they develop resilience. They value Mr Gillan’s leadership and feel respected by school governors and by the local community.
Performance
The school is highly ambitious for all pupils to achieve well. The curriculum sets out the essential knowledge pupils need to learn and the order in which to learn it. It is coherent and well sequenced. Subject content is broken down into small steps. Teachers ensure Inspection report: Thurlbear Church of England Primary School 1 and 2 May 2024 2 that there are regular opportunities to revisit and recap on previous learning. This helps pupils to build on what they already know and to secure a strong understanding. As a result, pupils are well prepared for the next stage in their education.
Leadership
Staff appreciate the care and consideration of school leaders for their workload and wellbeing. Parents welcome the many opportunities the school provides for pupils and how the staff go ‘above and beyond’. One parent reflected the views of many in their comment, ‘Positivity flows through the school and we are proud that our child wears the Thurlbear crest.’
Safeguarding
Leaders and staff sustain a positive safeguarding culture across the school.
Pupils feel safe and say that they know whom to go to if they have concerns.
The school response:
Headteacher Mr Gillan: “I am incredibly proud of this school community and the work that is done here. This report, I feel, reflected the work we are doing on a day-to-day basis, but could never capture the ethos, culture and atmosphere that is generated when staff and pupils work together so effectively as they do at Thurlbear. So many elements of our curriculum shone through, including reading and early reading. This does not mean we sit still, as learning is a dynamic entity and we move with the times and with our pupils. Their unique needs, skills and attributes mean we must cater for them on a unique basis and our staff are always reflecting on the best way forwards. I read the parent comment regarding the pride to wear our crest and it really hit home the role we do.”