St Helen's Church of England Primary School

Overview

St Helen’s Church of England Primary School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. The school is described as a "happy and friendly" place where pupils form positive relationships and enjoy a "calm and purposeful atmosphere." While the curriculum is broad and ambitious, the report notes that the school is working to ensure all teaching consistently matches its high aspirations.

Strengths

• Pupils benefit from a "broad and ambitious curriculum" with clear knowledge outlines, allowing teachers to teach precisely.
• Reading is a significant strength, with pupils learning the phonics code well and receiving "precise support" if they fall behind.
• Staff provide effective emotional support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) through ‘The Nest’, helping them manage behaviour.
• Pupils develop strong leadership skills and a sense of pride through roles like ‘Reception Buddies’ and involvement in clubs and sports.
• The governing body maintains clear oversight, including close monitoring of safeguarding and support systems.

Areas to improve

• Teachers must consistently provide work that supports pupils to achieve the knowledge and skills identified in the curriculum, as some tasks currently do not deepen understanding sufficiently.
• The school should develop staff expertise to ensure all pupils with SEND receive the precise support identified on their individual learning plans, particularly for those with cognition and learning needs.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.