St Giles Church of England Primary and Nursery School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 16 July 2024

This is a small and inclusive school, with a strong determination for all pupils to do well. Following a period of instability, the school has settled since joining a local partnership of schools. The strengthened leadership has developed an ambitious curriculum and is driving improvements. The school has increased its expectations of pupils' behaviour. In 'circle time', when pupils sit and talk, they discuss how to be 'calm, kind and mindful'. They encourage each other to follow these expectations throughout the school day. Pupils listen to each other and try their best in lessons. They play kindly in the sporting activities at lunchtimes. Children in the Reception Year take turns when playing board games. They work together to tidy up for lessons. There are opportunities for pupils to contribute to the life of the school, as a school councillor, librarian or sports leader for example. Pupils enjoy attending sports clubs, gardening club and the choir. Younger pupils excitedly take part in sporting events, alongside pupils from the partnership schools. Pupils enjoy coming to school. Staff know them individually well. Pupils can talk to them about any worry they may have. Most parents are happy with the school. They value the care and commitment of staff.

What the school should improve

• Much of the curriculum is new and in the early stages of implementation. Some subject plans cover a lot in too little time for pupils to develop sufficient depth of knowledge and understanding. Pupils have not acquired all the knowledge intended yet and they occasionally find it hard to recall recently taught content. The school should continue to refine the curriculum plans as they are fully implemented, to enable pupils to develop a deeper understanding of what is being taught.
• Older pupils welcome the changes in the new behaviour policy but say a very small number of pupils do not consistently follow the school's high expectations, and on a few occasions staff do not remedy their poor behaviour swiftly enough. When this happens, it upsets a few pupils and can take their attention away from their learning. The school should ensure that pupils are consistently challenged and supported to maintain the school's high expectations.
• The school's approach for teaching pupils about British values is not fully developed. As a result, some pupils do not have an age-appropriate depth of understanding of these. The school should ensure that all pupils develop an age-appropriate understanding of the key values that will prepare them for life in modern Britain.

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