St Philip's CofE Aided Primary School

Overview

Following a period of instability, the school has established a “passionate, knowledgeable and enthusiastic leadership team” that has “halted a decline in standards.” While early years provision and inclusion are rated at the “Expected standard,” other areas including achievement, attendance, and curriculum require attention as leaders implement new strategies to improve outcomes.

Strengths

• Early years provision is strong, with children getting a “positive start” and staff teaching phonics well.
• Inclusion is prioritised, with an “effective specialist inclusion team” providing personalised support and removing barriers for disadvantaged pupils.
• Safeguarding standards are met, with an “open culture” where concerns are actively identified and managed.
• Pupils demonstrate “positive attitudes to school,” behave well, and show care and consideration for others.
• Leaders have created a coherent approach to personal development, helping pupils understand “fundamental British values” and stay safe.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must strengthen staff expertise to ensure teaching is “consistently high quality” and the curriculum is implemented as intended.
• Attendance strategies need continued implementation to ensure all pupils benefit from school, as some remain persistently absent.
• Attainment in phonics and writing must be raised so that all children achieve well, particularly disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND.

Safeguarding

The report states that “safeguarding standards are met,” noting that leaders have established an open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and pupils are made safer.