St James Primary School

Overview

The report states that the school is "in need of significant improvement." While leaders have fostered an inclusive ethos where pupils feel they belong, there are "too many inconsistencies in the quality of teaching" and limited impact from recent curriculum changes. Consequently, many pupils do not make effective progress in literacy and numeracy.

Strengths

• Leaders have developed a "more inclusive ethos" and a clear vision for pupils to ‘bloom’, promoting teamwork among staff.
• Staff support moral and social development well, teaching values like "tolerance sensitively," resulting in most pupils behaving well and feeling safe.
• Specialist resource bases provide a "welcoming, calm environment" with dedicated spaces like a sensory room to support emotional well-being.
• Many pupils with additional learning needs make "good progress towards their individual targets" due to effective support systems.
• Staff act as "positive language role models," helping many pupils develop oracy skills despite entering with below-age expectations.

Areas to improve

• Ensure teachers support and challenge pupils appropriately to improve literacy and numeracy progress.
• Improve self-evaluation to focus sharply on the impact of professional learning and improvement strategies.
• Reduce the high level of persistent absenteeism and ensure the curriculum provides meaningful, consistent learning experiences.

Safeguarding

The report confirms that "the school’s arrangements for safeguarding pupils do not give any cause for concern."