St John’s Church of England Primary School, Tisbury

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher has done an excellent job since her arrival in the school. She has the very strong support of staff and the large majority of parents and carers.

The headteacher, other leaders and governors have had a strong impact, improving attendance, as well as teaching and progress. Progress has particularly risen in literacy and mathematics since the last inspection through improvements to teaching and the curriculum. Teachers have a strong subject knowledge.

Teachers and teaching assistants ask effective questions that probe pupils' understanding and make sure that they learn well. Pupils get an excellent start in learning to read.... In Reception and Year 1, teaching and learning of sounds and letters are very strong.

Teachers follow the school's marking policy with great commitment. In mathematics, pupils try questions again that they have answered wrongly but do not consistently improve their answers. Pupils are courteous and keen to learn, and they behave very well in lessons.

They are proud of their work and it is presented well. Pupils are happy at the school. They feel very safe and are taught how to stay safe.

They are confident that any adult on the staff will help them if needed. The school environment is striking and imaginatively decorated. There are a wide range of outdoor facilities.

Children in the Reception class are secure and well looked after. They make good progress. The imaginative topics in the school's creatively designed curriculum enthuse children.

Leaders now intend to refine the order in which material is taught in order to maximise progress. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are nurtured and supported well and make good progress. Staff are knowledgeable about their needs and how to help.

Plans are effective but are not consistently organised in an efficient way. A small proportion of parents are unhappy with communication about specific concerns.

Information about this school

The school is smaller than average for a primary school.

Almost all pupils are of White British heritage. The proportion of pupils with SEND is well above average. The school has five classes, some of which have pupils from more than one year group.

For example, Year 3 pupils may be in a Year 2 and 3 class or in a Year 3 and 4 class. All the pupils in the Reception Year are on their own in a single class. More pupils join or leave the school during the year than is typical nationally.

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