St. Chad's Church of England Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 14 February 2023

Pupils are happy to attend this welcoming school. Leaders and staff are ambitious for the achievement of pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They also ensure that pupils' experiences contribute to the vision of 'a future with hope'. Pupils achieve well in the majority of subjects. Leaders have created a strong sense of inclusion and community at the school. They create opportunities for pupils to work alongside members of the local community - supporting town and church activities. Pupils flourish in leadership roles such as play leader and house captain. Pupils have a strong understanding of equality and diversity. They know the importance of treating each other with respect. They said that 'we are all unique in our own special way'. Pupils said that they feel safe. Leaders and teachers deal effectively with the few incidents of bullying. Leaders have high expectations for behaviour. Pupils behave well most of the time. Pupils enjoy learning and playing in the outdoors. This helps them to be active and healthy. The school's links with a local farm provide pupils with first-hand learning experiences across the curriculum. Pupils also benefit from day and residential visits and a wide range of clubs which enrich the curriculum.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, pupils are not fully secure in the knowledge and understanding that leaders intend them to gain. This is because pupils do not have enough opportunity to revisit and embed their learning before moving on to new ideas. Leaders should ensure that teachers provide greater opportunities for pupils to recap what they know so that they build on their prior learning over time.
• Children's learning does not build in a logical order across the early years. This means that in these classes, it is more difficult for teachers to design learning that builds securely on what pupils already know and can do. Leaders should review and improve the sequencing of the curriculum to clearly identified end points so that children build securely on earlier learning.

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