St Barnabas' CofE Primary School

Overview

Leaders foster a “tight-knit” environment where pupils develop as “respectful, ambitious learners.” The school delivers a “broad and well-balanced curriculum” that yields “strong pupil outcomes” in core subjects, supported by high-quality personal development opportunities and effective safeguarding arrangements.

Strengths

• Leaders have created a “well-rounded curriculum” that “typically meets the needs of all pupils,” including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
• There are “strong pupil outcomes in reading, writing and mathematics at the end of Year 6,” driven by a prioritised and embedded reading curriculum.
• Pupils are “safe at the school,” enjoying their learning while demonstrating respect for one another; leaders “do not tolerate bullying” and deal swiftly with unkind behaviour.
• Staff benefit from leaders who “consider staff’s well-being” and provide regular professional development, resulting in a workforce that feels “valued.”
• The school offers rich personal development opportunities, such as a “pupil parliament” and visits to local cultural venues, helping pupils understand “different families and healthy friendships.”

Areas to improve

• In some foundation subjects, the intended curriculum is “not delivered as precisely,” leading to variable pupil recall; leaders must ensure faithful implementation so pupils “deepen their knowledge and understanding.”
• Leaders have not always considered “in sufficient depth how the curriculum may need further adaption” for pupils with SEND; they must ensure intended learning is clear and appropriately adapted for all such pupils.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” with staff well-trained to identify risks and take appropriate action.