Barlaston CofE (VC) First School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 14 May 2024

Pupils feel happy and safe in this small, friendly school. They flourish because of the school's high expectations and the support they get from staff. Pupils believe in themselves, have positive attitudes, and have good relationships with each other, reflecting the school values of 'family, friendship and faith'. Parents and carers are happy with the school. Nearly all would recommend it to others. Pupils behave well. They are confident and articulate. They take pride in their work and in helping others. They say that 'school is like being in a family'. They treat each other well and usually resolve any disagreements without fuss. The school has an ambitious vision for its pupils. Staff share a mission that all pupils should 'let their light shine'. They have worked hard to improve the quality of education since the last inspection. A new curriculum is in place, which is mostly being taught well. Staff support pupils, including those pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), well. Effective work with outside agencies further supports vulnerable pupils. A rich variety of experiences promotes children and pupils' wider development. These include community activities, worship assemblies, a forest school, clubs and trips.

What the school should improve

• Older pupils are not given enough guidance or reminders about how to write accurately. Therefore, they make too many punctuation, grammar, spelling and handwriting mistakes when writing in foundation subjects. The school should ensure that staff give older pupils the help and practice they need to write more accurately in foundation subjects.
• Subject leaders do not have enough understanding of how well the intended curriculum is being taught. As a result, they do not have a firm view of what is needed to improve foundation subjects further. The school should ensure that subject leaders review the teaching of foundation subjects, alongside the planned review of curriculum content, in order to establish any next steps needed to help pupils achieve further. How can I feedback my views? You can use Ofsted Parent View to give Ofsted your opinion on your child's school, or to find out what other parents and carers think. We use information from Ofsted Parent View when deciding which schools to inspect, when to inspect them and as part of their inspection. The Department for Education has further guidance on how to complain about a school.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)