Caring south Shropshire primary school where bullying is 'extremely rare' wins praise from Ofsted inspectors

Clunbury CofE Primary School has been praised for its calm atmosphere, good behaviour and highly inclusive ethos following a recent Ofsted inspection.

The report, published yesterday (April 20) said pupils enjoy attending the primary school, which inspectors found to have a “sense of community and belonging that makes pupils feel safe and cared for”.

“Pupils demonstrate the school’s values of trust, joy, love, respect, thankfulness, friendship and perseverance ,” the report added.

Inspectors rated several areas of the school’s work as reaching a strong standard, including attendance, behaviour, early years and inclusion.

Safeguarding was judged to be effective, with inspectors noting that leaders have created “an open and positive culture of safeguarding” where pupils “are made safer and feel safe”.

The report highlights the school’s “very high” expectations for behaviour and the strong relationships staff have built with families.

Pupils were described as moving around the school sensibly, settling quickly to learning and treating each other with “kindness and respect”. Bullying was said to be “extremely rare”.

Early-years provision was singled out for particular praise. The inspectors said staff know children “exceptionally well” and tailor support precisely, with language development placed “at the heart of the provision”.

The school’s inclusive approach was repeatedly emphasised. Inspectors said staff “warmly welcome pupils of all levels of need” and have “very ambitious expectations for every child to succeed”. Highly trained staff identify needs quickly and work closely with parents and specialist professionals to reduce barriers to learning, they found.

Leaders were also praised for ensuring disadvantaged pupils have full access to after-school clubs and wider opportunities.

Achievement, curriculum and teaching, leadership and governance, and personal development were all judged to meet the expected standard.

Parents were “overwhelmingly positive” in their feedback to inspectors, with one describing Clunbury as “a well-run school where the teachers and staff truly care about its pupils”.

The full inspection report is available to view online at ofsted.gov.uk.