St Andrew’s CofE Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

St Andrew's Church of England Primary School is a welcoming community where pupils enjoy their learning and achieve well.

They hold the staff in high regard. As one pupil said: 'This school is fantastic because of the teachers.'

Expectations of work and pupils' behaviour are high.

Pupils rise to these expectations. Behaviour is exceptional. The '7 Knights' award scheme motivates pupils to live out the values of the school.

Pupils show positive attitudes to their learning and kind concern for each other.

There is a calm atmosphere throughout the school. Pupils feel safe and happy.

From Nursery to Year 6, relationships between pupils... and adults are very positive. The school takes great care to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school includes all pupils in everything that it does.

Parents have full confidence in the school. They appreciate the strong connection between school and home. One parent, typical of many, commented: 'Each adult in school has always made us and our children feel seen, heard and valued.'



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

The school has designed a curriculum to meet the needs of its pupils. Plans are well considered, and teachers deliver lessons with enthusiasm and skill. Checks on pupils' understanding are effective, helping to address any gaps in knowledge that may emerge.

Pupils revisit knowledge to enable them to recall their learning. They find their learning interesting and remember what they have learned. For example, older pupils are keen to share their secure knowledge of geography.

Pupils achieve well across the curriculum, particularly in English and mathematics.

Children in the early years learn in a caring and exciting environment. There are many activities to capture the children's imaginations.

For example, children in Reception enjoy opening an outdoor restaurant. This approach to making learning memorable helps children to achieve well. Key messages, such as 'If we're not listening, we're not learning', help to prepare early years children for the next stage of their education.

Beginning in the Nursery Year, the school is quick to identify the needs of pupils with SEND. As a result of good support, these pupils become independent learners. They experience the full curriculum.

Parents of pupils with SEND are very positive about the school.

Reading is a top priority. As one pupil explained: 'I love this school because we do lots of reading!' Pupils can explain how they are getting better at reading and why it is important.

The school encourages a love of reading in many different ways. Regular visits to the school library are an important part of this strategy. During class story times, it is clear that pupils do not want the story to finish.

Last year, the school introduced a new phonics programme. This is being delivered well. However, pupils have not yet experienced the full programme.

As a result, some pupils have some gaps in their phonics knowledge.

Pupils enthuse about their learning across the curriculum. In early years, children enjoy talking about their investigations with a magnifying glass.

In key stage 2, the enthusiasm for science continues. Pupils can explain the importance of science in the world of work, such as testing new medicines.

Personal development is at the heart of the school's work.

The school ensures that the curriculum extends beyond the academic curriculum. The school is working to broaden pupils' horizons in different ways. Visitors introduce pupils to a wide range of future careers.

These have included a marine biologist, farmer, pilot and television editor. Most pupils take part in clubs, such as choir, tennis and book club. A distinctive feature of the school's work is the offer of public speaking courses.

There are many opportunities for pupils to contribute to the school as leaders. They serve as well-being champions, school ambassadors and junior librarians. Pupils say that these roles 'help us feel responsible'.

Pupils learn about differences between people and the importance of respect. Pupils know about fundamental British values. They discuss significant issues such as democracy and individual liberty.

Governors have a full picture of what is happening at the school and have developed a clear vision for the future. Leaders consider staff workload and well-being when making decisions. Morale is high, and staff are very proud to work at this school.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• The phonics programme has been recently introduced. Pupils have not yet experienced the full programme.

Some pupils have gaps in their phonics knowledge. These gaps make it difficult for those pupils to read with accuracy and fluency. The school should ensure that the new phonics programme is fully embedded, helping all pupils learn to read successfully.