St James's CofE Primary School

Overview

Pupils are described as “happy and safe” in this “welcoming school” where they “live out daily the school’s vision of faith, friendship and fulfilment.” Leaders have established a “broad, ambitious and well sequenced” curriculum that helps pupils “know and remember more” as they progress. The inspection confirms that the quality of education, behaviour, and leadership are all effective, with staff maintaining high expectations that pupils consistently meet.

Strengths

• The curriculum is “well sequenced,” helping pupils retain “golden nuggets” of key knowledge across subjects.
• Early reading is a “very high priority,” with effective phonics teaching ensuring pupils read with “fluency” and develop a “love of reading.”
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are “accurately identified” and “well supported to be successful.”
• Staff react “speedily” to rare instances of bullying, ensuring pupils feel secure and valued.
• Leaders carefully manage staff workload, using working parties to implement “effective changes to working practices.”

Areas to improve

• Assessment use is inconsistent; leaders must ensure it “consistently informs future learning for all pupils” so activities match individual needs.
• Teachers must make learning links more explicit so pupils understand how current work connects to long-term knowledge retention.
• Subject leaders need stronger knowledge of how early years provision prepares children for Key Stage 1 to ensure a “smooth” learning journey.

Safeguarding

The report states that “arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” with staff well-trained to identify risks and diligently follow up on concerns.