St James' Church of England Primary School

Overview

The inspection confirms that St James’ Church of England Primary School has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.” Pupils are described as flourishing academically and personally within a “calm and purposeful atmosphere,” where they feel “happy and safe.” The school fosters a supportive environment where diverse cultures are celebrated and pupils achieve well across the curriculum.

Strengths

• Pupils demonstrate “exemplary” behaviour and are “engrossed in their learning,” treating others with “thought and consideration.”
• The curriculum is “ambitious” and clearly sets out knowledge and vocabulary, with staff providing “regular, high-quality training” to support delivery.
• Reading is fostered effectively from the early years; staff deliver phonics well, ensuring most pupils learn to read with “fluency and accuracy.”
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) “achieve well from their individual starting points” and are fully involved in school life.
• Attendance has seen “vast improvements,” and pupils benefit from enrichment opportunities that “broaden their horizons.”

Areas to improve

• In some subjects, staff do not revisit previously taught content regularly, leading to “gaps in their learning” for some pupils.
• Key stage 2 pupils have limited opportunities to practise essential transcription skills, such as drawing tables or graphs independently in mathematics and science.

Safeguarding

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