St Clement Danes CofE Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils receive an exceptional education at St Clement Danes. It is an inspiring school where pupils flourish in its welcoming and inclusive environment. Pupils are extremely proud of their school.

Staff set the highest of expectations for behaviour and learning. This starts in the Reception Year, where children learn to focus on tasks, take turns and be kind and caring towards others. Pupils across the school are highly motivated and confident learners.

They consistently embody the school's values by being respectful, trying their best and supporting each other. Behaviour is exemplary.

All pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabili...ties (SEND), achieve highly across the curriculum.

Published outcomes from national curriculum tests show that pupils attain well above national averages.

Pupils feel safe and are kept safe because of the school's pastoral care offer and relentless focus on well-being. Pupils know that their worries will be taken seriously, and they trust staff to help them.

The school prepares pupils extremely well to become responsible citizens through their extensive programme of wider opportunities. Pupils benefit from many trips, visits, and opportunities to take on responsibilities in school, such as school council, school photographers and sports captains.

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

Much thought has gone into shaping an ambitious curriculum that meets pupils' learning needs and interests.

It has been carefully constructed and is expertly taught so that pupils continually build on their prior learning. These strong foundations are established in the early years, where they make an excellent start. The curriculum in early years enables children to develop their independence and resilience.

Adults have created a safe and stimulating environment in which children learn to work with others, take turns and share equipment.

Reading is at the heart of the school's work. Pupils talk enthusiastically about the stories they listen to, books they read and the reading events the school organises.

Staff make careful checks to quickly identify any pupil who is falling behind the pace of the phonics programme. These pupils are supported to catch up and keep up. As a result of expert teaching, pupils become fluent and confident readers.

Consistent teaching approaches enable all pupils to access learning. Tasks and activities are adapted well for pupils with SEND, where appropriate, so that they progress well through the curriculum alongside their peers. Teachers skilfully check pupils' understanding and address misconceptions quickly and accurately.

Pupils' work is of high quality, and they use complex vocabulary to explain their thinking. They talk about their learning with enthusiasm and easily make links between the knowledge they gain in different subjects. As a result, pupils secure a deep body of knowledge across a range of subjects.

Effective staff training develops staff's expertise and helps them to refine their practice, while ensuring that their workload is manageable. Staff value the support and training that the school provides.

The school organises an impressive range of wider opportunities for pupils' personal development.

These are well considered and coherently planned to enrich the curriculum.Pupils, including disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND, benefit greatly from these. They spoke enthusiastically and articulately about being members of the choir, visiting local theatres and learning about safety.

Pupils learn about diversity among people and families. They know what makes a healthy relationship and they understand the importance of using the school values, and fundamental British values, in their daily lives. The school empowers pupils with leadership opportunities.

Pupils contribute to the life of the school and local community in many ways. For example, roles such as campaign monitors, house captains, fire safety monitors and environmental monitors offer meaningful opportunities to debate and discuss important issues.

There is a positive and respectful culture in this school.

The environment is calm and orderly. Staff have high expectations and have embedded clear routines. These are well understood by pupils and consistently implemented by teachers.

These expectations are also realised in the playground, where pupils play happily and safely with each other.

Governors, leaders, and staff work harmoniously to consistently uphold the school's vision and values. Governors use their expertise to provide the school with appropriate support and challenge.

They are committed to pupils' success, and they check rigorously on the school's work to achieve this ambition. Because of the school's cohesive approach, pupils are well prepared for the next stage in education and their futures as citizens in modern Britain.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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