St Andrew's CofE School and Nursery

Overview

The report describes a school where pupils are happy and feel safe, with parents viewing it as a ‘home from home’. Leaders have designed an ambitious curriculum that enables pupils to achieve well, supported by positive relationships and a strong emphasis on personal development.

Strengths

• Pupils are ‘very enthusiastic about reading’ and enjoy ‘time to read’ sessions, with staff effectively supporting those who struggle.
• ‘Excellent relationships between pupils and staff create a calm environment,’ and staff manage behaviour ‘calmly and consistently’.
• Leaders place a ‘strong emphasis on pupils’ personal development,’ helping pupils understand fundamental British values and healthy relationships.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities follow the same curriculum, with teachers adapting teaching effectively so they can ‘access the learning and achieve well’.
• Governors ‘understand their role and challenge senior leaders effectively,’ while leaders prioritise staff well-being.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure all teachers use assessment well to identify and address gaps in pupils’ learning, as some pupils currently ‘struggle to recall and build on their prior learning’.
• Senior leaders need to ensure subject leaders have the skills to check and evaluate the effectiveness of their subject areas, as this is not currently consistent.
• Leaders should ensure the early years curriculum is ‘carefully set out and shared’ so teachers in key stages 1 and 2 know how to build on early learning.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff well trained to spot signs of risk and understanding that keeping pupils safe is ‘everyone’s responsibility’.