Woodhouse Eaves St Paul’s Church of England Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

This school is an exemplary learning community.

Relationships between adults and pupils are built on trust, kindness and respect. The Christian values of the school are at the heart of every decision made. Staff have a strong moral purpose: to get it right for every pupil who attends the school.

Their mantra is: 'Pupils come first.' Pupils are known as individuals. They say that the adults in school listen to them.

One pupil said, 'We have a voice; everyone gets their say.'

Pupils' behaviour is first class. They learn how to take responsibility for their own actions and how to manage situations when they are not happy.

Pupils are taught to ...forgive each other. They all agree that everyone deserves a second chance. In lessons, pupils work with enthusiasm.

They respond promptly when their teachers remind them that their 'eyes need to be where the learning is happening'. Social times are fun and active, as pupils play happily and creatively together.

Staff, parents and carers, and pupils agree that it is a privilege to be a part of this outstanding school.

Many parents describe how the well-rounded education the school provides allows their children to thrive and flourish.

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

The school has, with care, developed a rich and ambitious curriculum. There is clear intent to provide pupils with the knowledge and skills they will need when they move to the next stage in their education.

Curriculum plans detail the key learning that pupils will encounter, from the early years to Year 6. At every stage, this learning is broken down into small steps so that knowledge builds over time. In history, children in the early years are introduced to the concept of 'old' as they read the story of 'Dogger'.

In Year 3, pupils learn about Roman soldiers, and act out the tactics that made them a successful army. In Year 6, pupils demonstrate a deep understanding of challenging concepts. They understand the complexities of the Space Race.

They learn about the impact of the Cold War on this period in history. One pupil wrote: 'The fact that the USSR had managed to send Yuri Gagarin into space resulted in the USA having to go one better.'

The curriculum is also designed to create links within, and between, subjects.

For example, pupils develop a broad knowledge of their locality through religious education, geography, art and design and history. The school takes every opportunity to make pupils' learning purposeful. This well-considered approach enables pupils to achieve exceptionally well across the curriculum.

At the heart of the school's curriculum is reading. There is ambition that all pupils will learn to read and will come to love reading. Children in the early years begin to learn to read as soon as they start at the school.

Well-trained staff deliver the phonics curriculum with confidence and accuracy. Pupils quickly learn the sounds they need to know to decode words. No pupil is left behind.

The books pupils read match the sounds that they have learned. Many pupils are fluent readers by the time they leave key stage 1.

The school ensures that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are included in all aspects of school life.

Pupils with SEND access the same curriculum as their peers through well-considered adaptations. The school keeps a close eye on how well pupils with SEND are doing and makes sure that they are provided with the right support. Pupils with SEND experience high levels of success in their learning.

The school takes advantage of every opportunity to develop pupils' character. Pupils learn to be responsible and respectful citizens in their school, local community and globally. There is a vast range of experiences that enrich the school's curriculum.

Year 4 pupils buzzed with excitement about their recent residential trip. In Year 6, pupils travel to London, a trip which includes a visit to their school's namesake, St Paul's Cathedral. The school is ambitious that every pupil will be well prepared for life in modern Britain.

Pupils are taught about the beliefs and cultures of others. They accept and welcome differences. They model tolerance and respect.

There is a wealth of new opportunities for pupils to try. The school ensures that these experiences are open to all pupils.

Staff say that leaders support them well.

Their professional development is prioritised alongside careful consideration of their workload and well-being. Every member of staff is aspirational that pupils' time at the school will be happy, safe and memorable.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.