St Michael's CofE (A) First School

Overview

The report describes a school where pupils “usually progress securely through the curriculum” and are “well prepared for the next stage of their education.” Leaders have established a “calm and friendly environment” with high attendance, though there is variability in writing standards and some inconsistencies in how expectations are applied.

Strengths

• Pupils make “steady gains in reading and mathematics” and leave as “fluent speakers, readers, writers and mathematicians.”
• Attendance is high, with leaders who “respond swiftly” to risks of persistent absence and offer “tailored support.”
• A “broad and balanced curriculum” is supported by staff who “break tasks into smaller steps” to help pupils work independently.
• Pupils feel “safe and well cared for,” with bullying described as “rare” and staff who “act quickly” on unkind behaviour.
• Disadvantaged pupils “achieve well overall” and participate fully in enrichment activities, with additional funding used effectively.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should refine checks on the wider curriculum to help teachers “deepen pupils’ understanding” of key concepts.
• Early years practice needs development so adults “make the most of opportunities to build children’s vocabulary” and plan activities that match starting points.
• Teaching of writing must be strengthened so younger pupils “secure key skills, such as sentence construction and handwriting, earlier.”

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with an “open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility” ensuring pupils are “made safer and feel safe.”