St Edward’s Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils feel happy and proud to attend St Edward's. They learn well and achieve highly.

Pupils fully embody the school's core values of: friendship, thankfulness, truthfulness, trust, forgiveness, respect, reverence and responsibility.

Teachers have high expectations of pupils' behaviour, which is exemplary. The range of opportunities at the school for pupils to develop their skills and talents is vast.

These are popular among pupils and include golf and instrumental lessons, as well as a number of visits linked to the curriculum.

Pupils benefit from taking part in many leadership and cultural opportunities. For example, the school runs a '25 St Edwar...d's Experiences' which is coherently designed and adapted for pupils, including those who attend the specially resourced provision.

All pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), benefit from a rich programme of additional activities. These include visiting an art gallery, performing in front of others and seeing a fully inclusive theatre production. Pupils enjoy the challenge of achieving all 25 experiences.

Parents and carers feel fortunate to have such a welcoming school in their local community. Several parents commented specifically on the inclusive nature and sense of community they experience each day.

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

Leaders have designed an ambitious curriculum that matches, and sometimes exceeds, what is expected nationally.

They have thought carefully about the important knowledge that pupils should learn from Nursery to Year 6 and how this should be sequenced. This helps pupils to develop a deep understanding of the subjects they learn and be exceptionally well prepared for the next stage of their education. Pupils achieve well here, including those with SEND and those who attend the SEND unit.

The school has made substantial improvements to the quality of teaching and learning since the previous inspection. As a result, the curriculum is delivered consistently well by teachers, who are highly trained and are knowledgeable about the subjects they teach.In lessons, teachers present subject matter very clearly.

They use questions adeptly to check pupils' understanding and unpick any misconceptions as they arise. Tasks are thoughtfully selected to engage pupils. Pupils are equally confident to work independently or collaboratively.

Across the school, the development of pupils' early language and reading is a high priority. This begins in the Nursery, where children learn sounds, language structures and vocabulary through songs, stories and rhymes. This is carefully designed so children have a strong foundation from which to learn phonics.

In the Reception Year, children begin learning to read with fluency. This is because books are closely matched to the sounds they know. Staff deliver the phonics programme with precision and consistency.

They quickly identify any gaps in pupils' learning through regular ongoing assessment. Where needed, pupils receive extra support to help them catch up. The school has a strong ambition to foster a love of reading.

For example, the 'book a day' initiative identifies 190 titles for pupils from Reception to Year 6 to read and enjoy. This encourages pupils to read for pleasure while also discussing important issues of respect, tolerance and kindness.

Effective systems are in place for identifying pupils with SEND.

Strong and collaborative partnerships with outside agencies help to ensure that teachers have the advice and guidance they need to provide appropriate support. As a result, the curriculum is meaningfully adapted for pupils with SEND, wherever this is possible. For pupils who attend the 'Treehouse' provision, staff design a bespoke curriculum that allows pupils to progress well from their different starting points.

From the very beginning of early years, pupils are taught effectively how to learn and play together. Routines are established quickly and developed across the school so that behaviour in lessons and around the site is exemplary. Pupils' attitudes to learning are exceptionally positive, with pupils consistently reaching the high expectations that staff have of them.

The provision for personal development is exceptional. Pupils recognise and readily describe their school as a place where individuality is celebrated. Pupils reflect maturely on their learning about equality and diversity through the carefully designed personal, social, health and economic education curriculum.

They also learn about the importance of being physically and emotionally safe, including when online and travelling around the local community.

Governors share an uncompromising drive and ambition with school leaders to ensure all pupils access an excellent education and future opportunities. They challenge leaders robustly to ensure that high standards and expectations are maintained.

Staff enjoy working here. They appreciate the support, flexibility and training they get from leaders, which enables them to make progress in their careers and have a healthy work–life balance.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.