Stokesay Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Stokesay Primary School is at the heart of the Craven Arms community.

Leaders have high aspirations for all pupils. They are proud of their inclusive and diverse school. The school motto 'I can, we can, Stokesay can' is at the core of this school's work.

Leaders have ensured that pupils have the academic knowledge and personal development to prepare them for the next stage of their learning. Pupils love reading. They value reading as a life skill.

A range of clubs and enrichment activities develop pupils' wider interests and talents.

Pupils are proud of their school. They are happy and safe at school.

Staff make sure that pupils are well loo...ked after. Pupils enjoy school. Bullying is rare.

Most parents and carers, and pupils, say that staff deal with concerns quickly. Pupils behave well in lessons and settle quickly to tasks. They are respectful of others.

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

Leaders have carefully planned the curriculum so that all pupils have a good understanding of the subjects they learn. They have prioritised reading so that pupils learn to read fluently and with confidence. Staff help those pupils who find reading more difficult to catch up.

Pupils say that staff encourage them to read a lot at school and at home.

In the early years, children settle into school routines well. Staff are attentive to their needs and ensure they get the support they need.

Leaders have transformed the early years learning environment since the last inspection. Children enjoy learning about number through songs, rhymes and practical activities. Children learn to read words and simple sentences accurately because teachers teach phonics well.

Pupils learn well in other subjects, such as mathematics and computing. Teachers plan learning from pupils' starting points so that they build up their knowledge in a logical way. Pupils revisit some learning to help them remember more.

Sometimes, teachers' subject knowledge is not as strong as it needs to be. This means that they do not spot pupils' misconceptions and address them quickly enough.

Teachers adapt the curriculum well to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and disadvantaged pupils.

These pupils do well from their starting points. Teaching assistants know them and support them well. In a few subjects, including French, art and music, curriculum plans are not as well embedded.

Some subject leaders do not check the impact of curriculum plans. Leaders have effective training plans in place to help teachers and subject leaders develop their confidence in these subjects.

Leaders work closely with the local mosque, the local church, support services and businesses in the area.

The new Stokesay learning hub provides support for families and the wider community. Family learning workshops help parents to better support their children's learning. Parents are proud of the school.

They are keen to support their children and appreciate the school's guidance. One parent's comment was typical of many when they said, 'My children are thriving in a positive environment; teachers communicate about the curriculum and progress of my children with us very well.' Pupils enjoy coming to school.

Leaders work hard to ensure that pupils attend school every day. They are mindful of the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have on pupils' attendance. They provide remote learning where required.

Pupils enjoy a variety of after-school clubs, including cooking, gardening and sports clubs. Pupils develop an understanding of democracy through the school council. They say that everyone in school is welcome, regardless of any differences.

Leaders have made extra time available for physical education and plan swimming lessons, following the pandemic, to promote good physical health and well-being. Pupils talk about how being nice to each other makes people feel better. The family support worker provides mental health support to pupils and seeks external support if required.

Senior leaders, governors and trust members respect each other and work well as a team. They know the school's strengths and priorities for improvement. They are extremely ambitious for all pupils to have the best possible start in life.

Staff told inspectors that leaders are supportive of their well-being and workload.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Safeguarding is a strength of the school.

Leaders and staff know their pupils, families and the community well. Staff and governors receive regular training and know how to keep pupils safe from different forms of abuse, including sexual harassment. Leaders make appropriate referrals to external agencies when they have concerns about a pupil's safety.

They ensure that pupils receive the help they need.

Pupils know how to keep themselves safe. They learn about online safety, and staff remind them regularly.

Leaders carry out the correct checks on all staff, governors and volunteers to ensure they are suitable to work with children.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• A few of the revised curriculum plans are not fully embedded. Leaders have not had chance to evaluate the impact of the plans on pupils' learning.

Leaders should now support subject leaders to review the implementation and evaluate the impact of recent curriculum developments, particularly in French, art and music. ? Not all teachers' subject knowledge is strong. Some teachers have gaps in their own knowledge and skills.

They do not spot pupils' misconceptions and address them quickly enough. This sometimes slows pupils' learning. Leaders should ensure that these staff receive the training they need to improve their subject knowledge and practice.