St Paul’s Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School, Chipperfield

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Leaders, including governors, have not ensured that the outstanding quality of education identified at the last inspection has been maintained. Until recently, too much attention has been placed on pupils' attainment and too little on their progress.

In recent years, pupils' attainment at the end of key stages 1 and 2 has been broadly in line with, or above, national averages. Progress at key stage 2 has typically been in line with national averages. However, progress dropped to below average in writing and mathematics in 2018.

The headteacher provides clear and effective leadership. She accurately assesses the school's successes and is t...aking appropriate action to ensure its further improvement. Teachers typically plan and deliver lessons that enthuse pupils.

They are well supported by the team of teaching assistants. Consequently, teaching is mostly good. It is stronger in key stage 2 than it is in key stage 1.

Pupils are proud of their school and its ethos. They are welcoming, caring and respectful. Pupils behave well and their enjoyment of school is reflected in their good attendance.

Parents and carers and staff hold the school in high regard. Staff morale is high. Leaders ensure that pupils are looked after well and that they are kept safe.

Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is a strength of the school. Governors have a clear understanding of the school's strengths and weaknesses. They provide leaders with effective support and challenge.

Children get off to a good start to their education in early years, although the most able children are not always challenged to exceed the early goals for attainment by the end of Reception. The school's curriculum provides pupils with a wide range of enjoyable learning experiences. However, the development of pupils' understanding in the subjects in the wider curriculum is weaker than it is in English and mathematics.

Some pupils in Year 2 and Year 4 have not made as much progress as pupils in other year groups. They are now catching up.

Information about this school

The school is an average-sized primary school.

The proportion of disadvantaged pupils or those who speak English as an additional language is well below the national average. The proportion of pupils with SEND is above the national average. The proportion of pupils who have an education, health and care plan is in line with the national average.

The school is designated as having a religious character. It belongs to the Diocese of St Albans. In its most recent section 48 inspection for Anglican and Methodist schools, in June 2014, it was judged to be outstanding.

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