St Francis Church of England Primary School

Overview

St Francis Church of England Primary School is described as a “kind and nurturing” environment where pupils “behave exceptionally well” and feel “happy and safe.” The inspection highlights an “ambitious curriculum” that is “well designed,” with staff using “expert knowledge” to support all learners, including those with special educational needs. Overall, the school provides a high-quality education with outstanding behaviour and personal development, though minor improvements are required in checking pupil understanding across all subjects.

Strengths

• Pupils demonstrate “exceptional” behaviour and “very positive attitudes to learning,” supported by a consistent approach that creates a “happy environment.”
• The curriculum is “well designed” and “sequenced,” with staff making “appropriate changes” to meet pupil needs and providing “strong support” for those with additional needs.
• Reading is a “high priority,” with staff following a phonics scheme closely and fostering a “love of stories,” resulting in pupils becoming “confident readers.”
• Personal development is “exceptional,” with an “impressive curriculum” that builds character and appreciation for diversity, including opportunities for charity work.
• Early years provision is “Outstanding,” with children receiving an “exceptional start” through expert support for language and communication skills.

Areas to improve

• In “a small number of subjects,” staff do not always “check pupils’ understanding of previously taught knowledge carefully enough,” leading to some pupils not achieving as well as in other areas.
• Leaders must ensure staff “check pupils’ understanding and address any gaps in pupils’ knowledge effectively in all subjects” to identify and resolve misconceptions systematically.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”