Banks St Stephen's CofE School

Overview

The inspection found that the school meets the expected standard in most areas, with safeguarding standards met. Leaders have an "accurate, honest and realistic understanding of the school" and are taking determined action to address recent weaknesses in phonics, reading, and attendance. While pupils generally enjoy their lessons and feel safe, the report notes that improvements in key areas are recent and "will take time to show impact."

Strengths

• The curriculum is "well thought out" and builds logically, with teachers using checks on knowledge to pinpoint next steps.
• Staff in the early years "gently and skilfully support" children, establishing clear routines that help them feel secure and prepare well for Year 1.
• Pupils achieve well in writing and mathematics, with a "deepened enthusiasm" for maths and keenness to discuss subjects like Shakespeare.
• Leaders foster "warm, respectful relationships" with families and communities, including providing resources like the ‘Sharing Shed’ for local families.
• Staff wellbeing is high, with leaders ensuring a "reasonable workload" and providing helpful training.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure teaching in phonics and reading is "consistently high quality" so that pupils achieve well, as recent attainment was below average.
• Actions to improve attendance must have a sustained positive impact, as persistent absence remains higher than it should be.
• Staff require suitable training to further develop their expertise in supporting the learning of pupils, especially those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.