Aston St Mary’s Church of England Aided Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils thrive at this warm and nurturing school. They enjoy coming to school to see their friends and complete interesting learning. Pupils have ownership of the school values, as Year 5 pupils choose the ones the school will focus on the following year.

They communicate their choices to the rest of the school, and all pupils understand them.

Staff have high expectations of pupils, and pupils have high expectations of each other. Pupils are extremely respectful and listen carefully to each other's thoughts and ideas.

They respect everyone's similarities and differences. Pupils trust the adults at school and know that they will support them with any issues tha...t they might have. As a result, behaviour around the school is admirable.

Pupils are well focused in lessons and thrive on discussions, where they clearly present their point. They know that staff want them to do their very best at all times, and they ensure that they do this. Pupils are extremely confident and precise when they articulate the learning that they have been doing.

Therefore, they achieve very well.

Pupils can develop leadership skills in the school, for example in the school council, which responds to pupils' requests and ideas to make positive changes within the school.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school has an ambitious, well-thought-out curriculum, from the early years onwards.

The school ensures that pupils progress through the curriculum, sequentially building their skills and knowledge. Children in the early years gain the knowledge and attitudes that mean they are well prepared for the curriculum in Year 1.

Staff have strong subject knowledge, which they present well.

They use their knowledge to plan clear sequences of lessons that help pupils to build their knowledge over time. Staff address misconceptions quickly. They skilfully question pupils to ensure they are developing their understanding.

Staff check that pupils can remember key knowledge, which they do exceptionally well. Pupils use the subject-specific vocabulary that they learn accurately, across the curriculum. As a result of highly effective teaching, pupils achieve consistently highly.

Staff are highly ambitious for pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school identifies the needs of pupils with SEND quickly so that support can be put in place swiftly, as required. Staff are well trained to support pupils' individual needs and adapt the curriculum so that everyone can access it.

Parents and carers, pupils and the school work together to ensure that pupils with SEND achieve as well as they can.

Children begin learning to read and to love books as soon as they start in Reception. They explore books in depth and the adventures that the characters have.

This enjoyment of text continues as pupils move through the school, and they access the well-resourced, diverse library. Pupils develop their knowledge of phonics quickly due to the expert teaching they receive. Any pupils who need additional support with reading receive it.

The school shares pupils' learning in phonics with parents so that they can practise with their children at home. Pupils soon become confident and fluent readers.

Children learn the routines and expectations of the school from the very start in Reception.

They know that they need to follow these, which they do. Pupils have exceptionally positive attitudes to their learning. They are clear on the rewards that they can gain and strive to achieve these, for example house points.

They are equally as clear about the consequences of their behaviour. Attendance is high. The school provides effective support when families or pupils need help to secure regular attendance.

Pupils have a wide range of personal development opportunities available to them. These help to develop pupils' character. They are accepting and respectful individuals who value everyone and what they contribute.

Pupils relish the trips they go on to develop their learning in the curriculum. The residential trip is popular, as it develops pupils' independence and 'have-a-go' skills. Pupils learn to stay safe online as well as when crossing the road, and they learn to use their bikes safely.

A visit from the local magistrate helped to teach pupils about the law. Some pupils are now considering a job working in law as a future career.

The school ensures that staff members have a manageable workload.

Leaders prioritise staff well-being, ensuring that policies and procedures are effective while not being overly burdensome. Staff are highly supportive of the school. Governors are very well skilled in their roles.

They know and fulfil their responsibilities exceptionally well. Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school and very supportive of the work that it does.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.