St Georges CofE (Aided) Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are proud ambassadors for their welcoming and inclusive school. They show impeccable manners, politely welcoming all, as they open doors and greet everyone with a smile. Mental health and well-being are prioritised.

Pupils speak with delight and enthusiasm about how much leaders and staff care about them. If they have any worries, help is never far away. For some, this involves valuable time in 'The Nest' for nurture support.

Others enjoy learning breaks or play therapy with caring and knowledgeable staff who help them to get back on track. Compassion and forgiveness ensure a fresh start every day in this caring and kind community.

The school has high ...expectations for every pupil to do their best.

Despite this, in 2023, key stage 2 pupils' achievement in mathematics and writing was much lower than the national average. The school has taken robust action to address this, and current pupils' achievement is more secure. Pupils are fulfilling the school's high ambitions in calm and happy classrooms.

Meaningful leadership roles, such as playtime buddy and computing ambassador, help pupils to thrive with responsibility. The new 'eco council' aims to boost environmental awareness at school. Pupils love singing, and relish opportunities to perform.

The residential trip is a highlight for pupils in Year 6.

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

Reading is at the heart of this school. Starting in early years, the teaching of phonics is consistently effective.

Children learn sounds and enjoy reading precisely matched books to develop their skills. Staff encourage them to practise language with frequent recall activities throughout the day. The school gives pupils valuable one-to-one support if they need extra help.

Pupils learn to become fluent and confident readers. The impressive school library and book fairs promote the joy of reading. Pupils from across the school are proud to become 'reading dragons'.

They make recommendations and inspire their peers to enjoy and celebrate a wide range of books.

The curriculum has been designed with precise knowledge from early years to Year 6. Pupils become confident mathematicians, writers, and scientists as they move through the school.

Subjects including computing and music are particularly successful, reflecting breadth and ambition for all. Professional development is prioritised by leaders and trustees. This helps to ensure that teaching is effective across classes.

Pupils who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive impressive support. Leaders show expertise and compassion to remove barriers for all, working with teachers and families to identify needs. Some pupils benefit from specific help for conditions such as autism or dyslexia.

For others, provision is pastoral, showcasing the well-being expertise and compassion in the school. Transition into early years gives children a flying start to school life. Throughout the school, staff get to know families well and parents speak highly of how well the school communicates and 'goes the extra mile'.

Published key stage 2 outcomes in writing and mathematics were lower than usual last year, but leaders have taken effective steps to address misconceptions and keep pupils on track this year. A few subjects are less well developed than the strongest. Despite recall activities being introduced, pupils do not always precisely recall knowledge long term across the full breadth of the curriculum.

Leaders have plans in place to ensure that pupils learn and remember key content successfully in every subject.

Behaviour is excellent and learning time is never lost. The exemplary conduct seen across the school reflects a positive and inclusive environment that enables pupils to thrive.

Persistent absence has improved as a result of tenacious work by leaders and staff. Attendance is now higher than the national average.

Pupils learn about cultural events such as Chinese New Year.

A wide range of clubs help pupils to stay healthy and active. Disadvantaged pupils are well represented because leaders are passionate that nobody misses out. Visitors, such as the police community support officer, help to prepare pupils for modern Britain.

Pupils understand and promote equality, diversity and inclusivity.

Leaders are inspirational, compassionate and successful, always leading by example. They embody the school values every day, showing deep care for pupils, families and staff.

Teachers share skills and knowledge across the trust, and leaders give their expertise to help other schools. Teachers who are early in their careers benefit from excellent mentoring. Trustees and governors fulfil statutory duties expertly and diligently.

Using wisdom and compassion, they provide superb support and challenge. Staff and pupils feel valued and love their school. One parent represented many when saying, 'All staff at St George's are kind and approachable.

The support our child receives is amazing, and we couldn't ask for more.'

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• Since the pandemic, the school has continued to review and improve the curriculum.

A few subjects are less well-embedded than the strongest. This means that pupils may not learn key content securely across the whole curriculum. The school must ensure that teaching enables pupils to learn and remember essential knowledge long term across every subject.

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