Stathern Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils love their inclusive school! They, with staff, live out the school's motto of 'nurture, inspire, discover and create' every day. Pupils' performance of the school song, which they helped to create, enshrines an exceptionally caring and special ethos which permeates all aspects of school life. The overwhelming majority of parents and carers would recommend the school.

As one parent, typical of many, wrote: 'The opportunities Stathern provides makes me excited for my children's journey through the school.'

Pupils' attitudes towards their learning and school are remarkably positive. They consistently strive to meet the high expectations the school has of them..../>
Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. They look after one another, including younger children in the early years. Pupils say they feel very happy and safe.

They have every confidence that staff will support them with any worries they may have, although as one pupil said, 'we really don't have any here'.

Pupils thrive at this school, academically and socially. Children make a fantastic start to their education in Reception.

Pupils achieve well, particularly in reading and mathematics by the end of key stage 2. Pupils understand social and moral issues. All embrace the importance of treating everyone equally and respectfully.

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

The success of the school is underpinned by strong, stable and reflective leadership. Staff and governors alike are harmonious in ensuring that pupils receive the best possible education. Morale is buoyant.

The school's open culture promotes learning for all. The school has invested in professional learning opportunities for staff. These include attending local partnership networks and external checks of the school's provision.

In turn, staff swiftly apply their learning to help realise the school's ambitious vision for all pupils.

Governance is strong. Governors have developed innovative systems to check how the school evaluates its provision.

They are highly effective in holding school leaders to account.

Pupils study a broad and well-organised curriculum. The school has an ambitious vision for each subject.

Pupils' knowledge builds year-on-year from Reception to Year 6. Teachers have clarity about what they must teach and when, in mixed-age classes. They use their strong subject knowledge to enthuse pupils extremely well.

Classrooms are busy and purposeful. Pupils thrive during whole-class discussions. They are frequently inspired to deepen their thinking, including exploring how concepts have developed over time.

For example, they write high-quality perspectives of African slavery and different interpretations of 'freedom' in history.

Staff design learning activities which promote pupils' ability to think independently and collaboratively. They skilfully question pupils to identify and remedy any misconceptions they may have.

In Reception, adults use probing questions that help children to explore new learning. Children are constantly engrossed in learning tasks, sustaining both focus and concentration. Their discovery of creating different secondary colours using paint, for example, was met with pure joy.

The school promotes a strong culture of daily reading. Pupils read with infectious enthusiasm. They enjoy taking responsibility to choose class reading books.

Pupils quickly recall named authors. They like to predict what might happen next in a story. In Reception, regular story time is an animated experience.

The school has transformed the curriculum for early reading. It has put a new phonics scheme in place, accompanied by frequent checking of how well pupils are developing their reading skills. The impact of the new programme is strong.

Pupils at an early stage of learning to read are developing the skills and confidence they need to access the school's curriculum apace. Pupils who need extra help receive it quickly. Their perseverance is impressive.

Parents said they value the workshop training and video lessons the school prepares.

The oversight of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is strong. The needs of pupils with SEND are well understood.

Staff provide effective support. The school includes pupils with SEND in all aspects of school life. Staff ensure that they enjoy enriching opportunities such as attending clubs, trips and residential visits.

The school's programme in support of pupils' personal development is highly effective. Pupils are well prepared to become responsible and respectful citizens. They embrace their admirable understanding of the protected characteristics and of British values.

Pupils enjoy getting involved in projects such as 'Stathern's got talent' and fund raising for charity. Most pupils take part in extra-curricular activities, including the popular choir and netball club. All pupils learn to play a brass instrument.

Pupils especially value the residential visits. They say these help them to become 'confident' and 'brave', helping them to 'step out of their comfort zones', as one pupil said.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.