St Clement’s CofE Primary

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

St Clement's CofE Primary is a friendly, nurturing and welcoming school. The school has created an atmosphere where pupils love to learn. The school's vision lies at the heart of its work.

Pupils know the school's 'stars' values well. They demonstrate these in their interactions. The school has high expectations for pupils.

Pupils work hard to meet these, and achieve well.

Pupils feel safe in school and learn how to stay safe online. They feel confident to share any worries with trusted adults in school.

There is a culture of support and kindness to others, which adults at the school model well.

The school has high expectations for how pupil...s behave. Pupils enjoy school and attend well.

They understand and respect difference. Pupils say, 'Everyone can be the way they want to be in this school.' There are strong relationships between pupils and staff.

Pupils enjoy opportunities to take on leadership responsibilities across the school. They said that these roles make them feel proud and help them to set a positive example to others. For example, the head pupils meet with prospective parents.

Well-being ambassadors organise activities to promote positive mental health for other pupils.

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

The school has developed a curriculum that is ambitious. It identifies the most important knowledge for pupils to learn over time.

From the early years to the end of key stage 2, learning is designed well to build pupils' knowledge gradually. Pupils consolidate their knowledge and understanding through recapping their learning regularly. This helps them to remember what they have been taught and to make links between their current and prior learning.

For example, in history, older pupils recall the German invasion across Europe during WWII. They relate this to the Roman invasion of Britain.

Teachers follow consistent teaching routines across the school.

These routines help most pupils to access new learning and then apply it to new situations. However, learning is not always adapted sufficiently for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) in relation to what they know and can do. As a result, some pupils do not build on their knowledge as well as they could.

Pupils' love of reading is visible across the school. The reading curriculum is well organised and sets out what pupils should know and by when. The school's approach to teaching phonics is effective.

Children in the early years start learning phonics straight away. In pre-school, they explore rhyme and rhythm using percussion instruments. Children in Reception quickly learn how to blend sounds together to read simple words.

Staff identify pupils who need more practice, including pupils with SEND. These pupils are given timely support to help them to keep up. Pupils read books that match their stage of reading.

This helps them to practise using their phonic knowledge and become confident, fluent readers. Pupils' enthusiasm for reading continues as they grow older. Pupils learn about diversity and different cultures through the reading curriculum.

The school's provision for pupils' personal development is exceptional. Pastoral support for pupils is very strong. The school knows and supports its families well.

Pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain. Prejudice and inequality are not tolerated at the school. Pupils are well prepared to contribute positively to society as responsible, active citizens.

They know how to keep themselves healthy, both physically and mentally. For example, pupils understand the importance of exercising and eating a balanced diet. Pupils gain age-appropriate knowledge about healthy relationships.

Enrichment opportunities are carefully considered to enhance the curriculum and to raise aspirations. Pupils enjoy the extra-curricular opportunities available to them.

Staff are positive about the school.

They work closely together and support each other well. Staff are reflective and thoughtful about their work. The trust maintains an effective oversight of the school.

This helps to ensure that school leaders are accountable for the quality of education at the school. The trust values the importance of developing staff's expertise. For example, this year the focus is on high-quality teaching and learning principles.

Staff receive regular training and support from the trust's school improvement team.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• Some pupils with SEND sometimes do not receive the adaptations that they need to access the curriculum.

Their learning is not always closely matched to their needs. As a result, some pupils do not build their knowledge as well as they could. The school should ensure that learning is adapted, when necessary, to enable all pupils, including those with SEND, to progress as well as possible through the curriculum.