Pupils at Cambridge primary school ‘learn to respect and celebrate their differences’
Pupils at a Cambridge primary enjoy school and are well prepared for the next stage of their education, Ofsted inspectors have found.
Fawcett Primary School and Nursery in Trumpington has retained its ‘good’ rating following an inspection.
Head of school Shameen Khan said: “I have the privilege of educating a fantastic community of pupils at Fawcett. I am particularly proud that the Ofsted inspector highlighted the fact that our curriculum supports pupils’ personal development well and that pupils learn to respect each other and celebrate each other’s differences.”
The inspectors published their findings last month following the inspection which took place last term. It was the first inspection for the school since it was graded good in 2016. The report identified the significant work undertaken by the staff in developing the school curriculum, that children at Fawcett are making good progress and that leaders are ambitious for all pupils, with the curriculum adapted “particularly well” in English and mathematics to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
It said: “Pupils say they feel part of a community where everyone is valued. Pupils help leaders make decisions that improve the school. Elected members of the school council take their role seriously in representing their peers.
“Pupils behave well in lessons and at break times. Classrooms are calm places to be.
“Parents are positive about the school. They appreciate the dedication and kindness of staff, and the support their children receive that helps them to be confident in their learning.”
Leaders have been advised that to improve further they need to refine their curriculum plans in some subjects, like geography, and improve the provision for pupils with SEND outside of the foundation subjects of England and mathematics.
The school is part of Trumpington Federation, which also includes Trumpington Meadows Primary School. It has recently reopened the covered swimming pool on the Fawcett Primary School site after years of being shut: the pool enables on-site lessons for pupils at both schools.
Pupils are working with Sistema England – a charity seeking to transform the lives of children, young people and their communities through the power of music making – for the second year, as part of the international El Sistema movement.
Both of the Trumpington Federation schools include Forest School within the curriculum for reception and Year 1 pupils, giving them an opportunity to build confidence and self-esteem, and take supported risks.
Using the dedicated nature areas on their school sites, or venturing to Byron’s Pool local nature reserve at Trumpington Meadows, the approach develops confidence and self-esteem with hands-on growth in a natural setting.
Gavin Davies and Liz Woodham, co-chairs of the Trumpington Federation governing body, said: “We are delighted that Ofsted has recognised the tremendous effort that our senior leadership team, our staff and our families have made to achieve such a glowing endorsement of Fawcett.”
