St Paul's CofE First School

Overview

St Paul’s CofE First School continues to be a good school, providing pupils with a "good quality of education" and a "healthy environment for learning." The inspection confirms that parents and pupils are right to have confidence in the school, which is praised for its "caring ethos" and effective leadership.

Strengths

• Pupils are taught to be "kind, caring and supportive," with high expectations for learning reflected in strong academic standards.
• The curriculum is "broad and worthwhile," preparing pupils well for middle school through clear, consistent guidance that ensures continuity even when staff change.
• Reading instruction is highly effective, with "crystal clear" expectations and an established programme ensuring most pupils read fluently by the end of Year 2.
• Behaviour is usually good, and pupils feel "safe and happy," with staff dealing with any concerns "calmly and effectively."
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported through close work with external experts and trained staff.

Areas to improve

• The school should continue to support new subject leaders so they develop into "well-informed, evaluative subject leaders."
• The school should continue to focus on improving the quality of pupils’ writing, as standards have not yet recovered as well as other subjects.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.