Pupils are happy because they know staff care about them. They enjoy the healthy, tasty meals at lunchtime and know they can talk to trusted staff when something is on their mind. This helps them to feel safe and supported. Families speak warmly about the school’s close-knit community. Special events bring everyone together and are a highlight of school life. Many look forward to the termly walks, where they learn about local history and notice the changing seasons. Singing assembly is another favourite, especially when the school song fills the hall with energy. Pupils’ behaviour is typically friendly and polite. Awards such as ‘star of the week’ celebrate those pupils who demonstrate the school’s values. These include showing courage for doing the right thing or creativity by being imaginative. The school expects pupils to achieve and aim high. Typically, they rise to this challenge and achieve well across a range of subjects. This is especially true in reading, where pupils develop strong habits through engaging routines such as ‘book bingo’ and reading challenges. These activities foster a real love of books. However, children in the early years do not get off to the best start. Over time, they have not benefited from a curriculum that develops their knowledge securely or sparks their curiosity in the same way.